BY RAY PARSONS AND HEATHER WOOD
PUEBLO, Colorado - Members of the United Steelworkers of
America (USWA) here remain strong in their stand against
CF&I/Oregon Steel. For many union members, their motto has
become, "One day longer." The 1,100 members of USWA locals
2102 and 3267 were forced out on strike against CF&I Steel, a
subsidiary of Oregon Steel Mills, Inc., on Oct. 3, 1997. The
workers were demanding an end to forced overtime, the right to
a say in work assignments, increased wages, pension
improvements, and health-care benefits for retirees.
Workers at the picket line and union hall reported forced overtime and the company's proposed attack on seniority were the two main reasons for their strike. Several described being forced to work 20-hour shifts or longer in the mill. Mark Trujio said he had once been forced to work 68 days straight. "We had to put a stop to it or they were going to drive the union out of here."
Bobby Lee Martinez captured the mood of the USWA fighters saying, "Before the strike, one of the bosses said to me, `if you don't like it here why don't you quit?' I told him, `I'm not going to quit. If anything, I'm going to stay and be a thorn in your side.'"
Robert Sanchez, a crane operator with 23 years in the mill, said the company's demand of the "right to assign" workers wherever they like without regard to seniority was a key reason for the strike. He added, "The main reason we went out at first was for respect in our workplace. We deserve to be treated like human beings, not animals."
Workers at the mill gave up $35 million in wage and benefit concessions after Oregon Steel bought the facility in 1993. This came on top of a $50-million concession package prior to the takeover. In a closely contested vote Dec. 30, 1997, the Steelworkers accepted a proposal from union officials to end their walkout and make an offer to the company to unconditionally return to work. However, only a small number of workers have been called back to work based on "available positions" within the plant. The company insists that the 600 scabs hired during the course of the strike will remain on the job.
A number of workers said they are confident that the union is stronger now than before the strike. A mechanic with 23 years in the plant who asked not to be named said, "We've become tighter than ever before."
A display at the union hall shows steelworkers and members of the union women's auxiliary, formed since the strike, participating in protests and various community actions. In addition, some union members have become "road warriors," taking the message of their fight against Oregon Steel around the country. They are currently doing outreach work in 15 states.
On Aug. 17, 1998, Oregon Steel went on trial before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on charges of more than 100 violations against USWA members. The NLRB ruled against the company on charges of unfair labor practices. Oregon Steel has appealed this decision. Hearings have been going on for several months and continue in February in Pueblo. Workers are fighting to reinstatement in their jobs with back pay to Dec. 30, 1997.
USWA officials have organized a "corporate campaign" against Oregon Steel, which consists primarily of demonstrations at offices of Wells Fargo Bank, the company's main lender, to urge investors to sell their stock. Unionists explained that recent actions at Norwest Bank, which merged with Wells Fargo, have been restricted by court injunctions that prohibit the use of signs or even the wearing of union shirts or hats by protesters.
Tom Williams, who had worked 44 years in the plant when the union walked out, reflected on the experience gained during the long fight. "We took a lot of things for granted," he said. "We thought there were laws preventing the company from working us 20 hours a day, and not allowing us time off for our families, but we found out that the government won't protect us."
High school student Chris Sanchez often joins his father on the picket line. He said, "It's pitiful how they make someone work for hours and put their blood and sweat into their job - and then treat you like this."
When asked about solidarity they have received, several unionists proudly recalled the rally they attended last year, a commemoration of the struggles of Colorado coal miners and the Ludlow Massacre of 1914. Six hundred USWA members turned out for the event. The Steelworkers interviewed planned to return to the annual event this August.
When asked how he thought the fight would end, Bill Esquibel said, "We're going to win; we'll be on top. And if the company files for bankruptcy, we'll still win."
For more information, contact USWA Local 2102 at 1414 Evans Avenue, Pueblo, CO 81005. Phone: (719) 564-8600.
Heather Wood is a member of USWA Local 7263 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ray Parsons is a member of USWA Local 310 in Des Moines, Iowa.