Steelworkers Begin Strikes Against Rexam

Steelworkers Begin Strikes Against Rexam

Strike Over Unfair Labor Practices Includes 170 in Winston-Salem

Some 900 United Steelworker (USW) members employed at Rexam Beverage Can North America Company began two Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strikes April 10 at nine locations following the company’s rejection of counter proposals made by the union.

The employees have twice rejected Rexam’s previous contract proposals by secret ballot referendum votes, the last time on April 4.

“The members have been emphatic in telling us that health care is too costly for both active employees and future retirees and the company has not done enough to meaningfully address their concerns,” said USW International Vice President Fred Redmond, chief negotiator for the union.

“In addition, the company’s conduct at all locations has undermined the bargaining process, making it impossible to reach a settlement that the members will ratify,” he said.

“The union has filed Unfair Labor Practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board.”

The two labor agreements expired on Feb. 24, and USW members had been working under contract extensions. The Master agreement covers 730 workers at plants located at Chicago, Ill., Phoenix, Ariz., Birmingham, Ala., St. Paul, Minn., Whitehouse, Ohio, Chatsworth, Calif., Bishopville, S.C. and Oklahoma City.

A separate agreement covers 170 workers of USW Local 8498 at Winston Salem, N.C. You can join the strike line at their plant, located at 4000 Old Milwaukee Ln, Winston-Salem, NC 27107.