ME International, which is owned by the Charlotte, North Carolina–based GS Industries (GSI), produces cast liners for the mining industry, including in Minnesota's Mesabi Iron Range. GSI has plants in Kansas City, Kansas; Georgetown, South Carolina; and a twin plant of the Duluth operation in Tempe, Arizona. Only the workers in Duluth are on strike.

Strike pickets are under 24-hour surveillance by Vance Security guards. The security cops have spied on workers in their homes. Since the beginning of the strike, workers have received letters from MEI management urging them to return to work.

The strike is receiving support from many quarters. A busload of miners from the Iron Range visited last month. Members of the Airline Mechanics Fraternal Association local at Northwest Airlines in Duluth adopted an MEI striker over the Christmas holidays and raised $1,000. In December, the Duluth Religion-Labor Network organized a candlelight prayer vigil of 200 people at the picket line. A local fitness club is offering free membership to strikers' spouses during the strike. Many other unions in the Duluth area have contributed funds or services.

Early one week in January the workers organized mass picketing at the gates at a time when about 40 scabs entered the plant to work. Following this, MEI attorneys asked for a court injunction limiting pickets to five, but a judge postponed ruling on the request for 90 days, which many strikers consider a victory.

Since the walkout began the union has organized a potluck dinner for strikers and their families every other Thursday where the status of the strike is discussed.

Negotiations will resume February 24-25, according to the Local 1028 website (www.local1028.allhere.com).

Maggie Trowe is a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers union.  
 
 
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