BY ELIZABETH LARISCY
PEORIA, Illinois - One and a half years after being fired by Caterpillar Inc., United Auto Workers (UAW) member George Boze has learned that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is siding with the company and upholding his dismissal.
A committeeman at the Mossville technical center, Boze was fired in December 1993, after allegedly thumping a foreman with his finger during an argument. The union contends Boze was provoked by the supervisor as a part of the company's anti-union campaign.
The firing followed Boze's indefinite suspension in November, which triggered a four-day strike by the UAW and was one of the first of 163 unfair-labor-practice complaints now filed against the company by the union. The UAW is currently entering its 12th month on strike against Caterpillar. The union has been without a contract for more than three years.
"It's a disappointment that the judge ruled against us," Boze remarked. "But this ruling is not going to break the strike and it's certainly not going to break the union." Boze and the UAW have announced they will appeal the decision.
Other workers have expressed similar opinions on the importance of the decision. "You're going to win some in the war and lose some in the war," said Joseph Tenuto, a UAW member with 22 years seniority at Cat's Mossville plant. Tenuto noted that he had been fired and won his job back on three separate occasions. "We're in a big fight with Caterpillar and it's not over yet."
In a move widely reported by the media as aimed at Caterpillar strikers the Illinois House and Senate recently voted to outlaw jack rocks - nails welded together in a tripod which can puncture tires. The legislation is now awaiting the governor's signature.
It stipulates that making or possessing a jack rock is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. The media has publicized numerous stories of jack rocks scattered outside Caterpillar plants and strikebreakers' homes.
While winning some court fights, Caterpillar continues to face problems at its production facilities. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recommended fines of $15,000 for the company's defiance of a federal subpoena. OSHA has criticized the company for refusing to give its officials complete information about accidents and injuries that have occurred during the strike.
Angel Lariscy is a member of UAW Local 1494 in Peoria.