During the strike the unionists won the support of workers in the area, explained the issues in the dispute at a high school, joined picket lines, and leafleted in front of IKEA stores, which sell Hollander products.

Like the majority of the strikers here, Gregorio Rosales called the new contract a step forward. Rosales, who has worked at Hollander for close to four years, explained that the new contract includes a 401 (k) pension plan, which was one of the main demands of the workers.

Striker Martha Bonilla said the walkout "was a victory because we won what we fought for," referring to the retirement plan. She said the new three-year contract includes a wage increase that the company had not offered in its initial proposal. The contract includes wage raises of 25 cents an hour the first and second years and 15 cents an hour the third year, she said.

Several strikers expressed their dissatisfaction with a company demand, agreed to as part of the contract signing, that the union could not take action against workers who crossed the picket line during the strike. Hollander agreed not to take any action against the strikers as well.

"The strike was beneficial for all the workers," Rosales said. "[We] got to know each other better, the owner realized the power of the union, and even though the 401 (k) is not what we expected, perhaps we will negotiate better conditions in the next contract."

Francisco Cipriano is a meat packer in Vernon, California.
 
 
Related articles:
Laundry workers strike for a union in Baltimore
Returning 'proud as peacocks'
Hollander workers approve new contract
 
 
 
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