Local president Steve Armstrong told the Militant, “The company went on a full attack of intimidation. We either had to vote it in or have a problem. The company’s actions hurt the solidarity of the members.” Andrew Row, a production controller with 16 years in the plant, commented, “I’m happy to be back to work but the circumstances weren’t that great. It was more important to accept a contract that we didn’t really believe in but go in with the union intact.”

Under the new pact workers are being called back based on departmental instead of plant-wide seniority. Fourteen days after the return to work, those who have not been recalled will be considered laid off. There is no wage increase in the contract, although benefits and pensions are codified for the first time. Contracting out will be allowed if the bosses deem that unionized workers can’t do the work at comparable “efficiency” and cost.  
 
 
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