BY JESSE SMITH

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah - Some 143 members of the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers Union (OCAW), Local 2-591 began their strike against the Hexcel Corp. on November 2. Wages are the main issue, as the company slashed workers' pay 33 percent when they bought the plant from the former Hercules Composite Products Division in July. The plant makes carbon fiber and resin-impregnated woven fibers used by the aerospace industry.

The unionists rejected a contract offer from management that included 3 percent annual raises for the next five years. The final contract offer guts seniority rights and severance pay and increases the amount workers must pay for health insurance.

Hexcel also wants to be able to lay off employees four days per year with no pay and refused to honor the union contract after purchasing the plant. The union has been fighting since then for a new contract. The old contract with Hercules was scheduled to expire in October, 1998.

"I'm striking for my grandkids," said striker Nettie Hinkle. "If Hexcel can get away with this, what's to stop other companies from doing the same?"

Hinkle added, "They cut our wages 33 percent last July and now offer us back 3 percent. They want higher payroll deductions for medical care."

Striker Connie Edmund stated, "They want to bring in temporary workers at lower wages, without benefits or union protection. They want salary people back in the bargaining unit with their back seniority. They want no seniority provisions in job promotions- they want to be able to pick and choose."

Tony Ortega, another picketer, told the Militant, "We want to be treated like human beings, with dignity."

"This will be a hard strike. We have many single parents on the picket lines and the holidays are coming." Hinkle added. Summing up the morale on the picket line, striker Anthony Vigil said, "The company has a take it or leave it attitude. We won't just take it!"

Financial contributions for the strike can be sent to: OCAW Local 2-591, Gary Davenport, Sec.-Treasurer, 8773 S. Royal Crest Drive, West Jordan, UT. 84088.

Jesse Smith is a member of United Steelworkers of America Local 392.  
 
 
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