BY KEVIN DWIRE
CLEVELAND - Members of United Auto Workers Local 1196
voted to reject the final offer from plumbing fixture
manufacturer Central Brass and hit the picket lines April 21.
Under the old contract, which expired April 19, UAW members had not received a raise since 1997. The company offered a wage increase of 2 percent for the first year of the contract, with a $500 bonus. The company also wanted to increase the probation period for new hires from 25 to 45 working days and increase the co-payment workers make for hospitalization.
In discussions before the contract vote, many unionists said they would rather see a wage increase than take a onetime bonus payment. Strikers rejected the company offer by a vote of 79-17.
No one has crossed the picket lines since the strike began. Unionists say the company is using office personnel and supervisors to try to keep some production moving. Drivers from United Parcel Service, organized by the Teamsters, and other shipping services are refusing to cross the lines.
Morale is high among the strikers, who man the picket lines 24 hours a day. Many motorists passing the East 55th Street location of the picket line honk and wave in solidarity. Strikers come to the picket line whether they are on duty or not. On a recent night, a striker came by with a load of firewood at 3:00 a.m.
Anthony Martin, who has worked at Central Brass for just over a year, said the UAW members went on strike because "we felt we were not being treated right." Many strikers point to the wage freeze union members took under the final year of the last contract, and the fact that the bosses received a 4 percent increase.
"We'll stay out as long as it takes to make a difference," Martin said.
Kevin Dwire is a member of UAW Local 1196 on strike at Central Brass.