Locked-Out Armstrong Workers Head Back to Bargaining Table, as Temps Take Their Jobs

[marmar]

from In These Times:



For the first time in Armstrong World Industries' history, the corporation on July 17 decided to lock out workers from its ceiling tile plant in the small town of Marietta, Pa. The 260 union workers, members of the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 285, had been working without a contract since June 1. They rejected the company’s last offer on June 15, but continued to come to work hoping they could return to the bargaining table with the company.

The rural workers feel they are treated like second-class workers compared to workers at larger Armstrong-owned ceiling tile plants. While union workers at other factories have the right to retiree healthcare coverage in their contract, workers in Marietta don't. The USW members objected to the proposed contract because while it included a pay increase of 2.5 percent, it also contained increases in healthcare costs, freezes on company pension contributions for current employees, elimination of pensions for new hires, and what union officials argue are changes to seniority systems, job placement and overtime scheduling that would negatively affect union workers.

After the union refused to ratify the contract in June, Armstrong proposed another contract—this time without a signing bonus of $1,000 and a lump 401(k) contribution of $400. USW International Representative Tom Jones calls it an illegal act of regressive bargaining. After workers refused to vote on it, opting instead to return to the bargaining table, Armstrong decided to lock out them out early last week. ...............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/11755/private_equity_kingpin_who_paid_millions_to_see_john_mellencamp_locks_/

[Angry Dragon]

1. R&K for you

[aquart]

2. They aren't "temps." They're scabs.

[Kingofalldems]

6. +1

A scab is a scab.

[demosincebirth]

8. They are SCABS! Just like pre-owned cars are still "used cars " nt

[annabanana]

10. You got THAT right. . . n/t

[rfranklin]

3. This is what use to result in violent solutions...

Scabs beat up and sometimes killed because management never plays fair.

[socialist_n_TN]

4. Ah yes, the joys of private property

And like aquart said, they're not temps, they're SCABS.

[Brickbat]

5. Not temps. SCABS.

[blue neen]

7. We've been looking for some new flooring.

It looks like it's time to write and let Armstrong know that we'll be looking for someone else's products.

:dem:

[senseandsensibility]

12. Good idea.

I will, too.

[senseandsensibility]

9. K and R

for the workers. I hope they don't lose heart.

[Omaha Steve]

11. Sit in strike would be nice

Shut them down.

K&R!