“The main sticking issue is the two-tier system,” said Montes in a telephone interview. The contract offered by PPG would create “two classes of workers, different pay, pension rates, stock options. It would split unionists into two factions. We must think of the newest members too. If we give in now, then next time around, they’ll want more.”

Colorful signs dot the road leading to the PPG plant here, the most prominent of them demanding, “No two tier!” Most of the pickets interviewed by this reporter were in their 40s or 50s, but each one felt strongly about not allowing the company to introduce a lower pay scale for younger workers. They were proud that all workers in the plant currently make the same wage for a given job, once their probation ends.

Picketers recommended that Militant reporters visit strikers at Ormet Aluminum, directly across the Ohio River. These workers have been on strike for the past 10 months. The 1,300 members of the United Steelworkers there walked out Nov. 23, 2004, after Ormet filed for bankruptcy protection, tore up its contract with the union, and demanded a freeze in pension benefits, a hike in monthly health-care premiums, and tougher work rules.

“They are a tough bunch across the river, the Steelworkers,” said Montes. “And we are with them.”
 
 
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