Some of the unionists joined the picket line after being part of early morning mobile squads at locations around New Jersey where maintenance work is done by the union members. Others were dispatched following a four-hour mass picket. The union is organizing 24-hour picketing at a number of locations in the area.

The 234 workers walked off the job after their four-year contract expired January 31 and the bosses refused to withdraw their concession demands. The company’s proposals include a reduction in hospitalization coverage, a cut in sick pay to 80 percent from the current 100 percent of workers’ wages, and a mandatory on call status for work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The bosses also demand that workers now be licensed to perform jobs that they have been performing for years.

Andy Castaldo, who has worked at the water company almost 23 years and is on one of the road maintenance crews, said, "We’re working round the clock sometimes. I think I’ve only seen my wife for a few hours in the last two weeks." He and others said that the company had refused to hire more workers, because it was cheaper for them to force current employees to work long hours.

The union’s chief negotiator, David Davis, said that the company refused to make an offer on wages and did not respond to the union’s proposals on wage increases.

Workers at the water company are responsible for treating the water supply for more than 1 million people in New Jersey. They also maintain and fix leaks in the water pipes, a busy job with the unusually cold weather recently. Many of the unionists walking the picket line said they had been working grueling shifts trying to keep up with the problems associated with leaks in the pipes and icy conditions.

The coffee shop across the street from the plant displays huge pro-strike signs in its windows.  
 
 
Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home