Vol. 75/No. 25      July 11, 2011

The plant makes chemicals for jet engine lubricants, antifreeze, plastics, and rubber used in making tires.

The bosses’ “last, best, and final offer” demanded a 30 percent wage cut, ending all personal and sick days, taking away two weeks’ vacation, outsourcing quality control jobs, and eliminating a safety operator position.

The company is using bosses and line-crossers brought in from a union-busting outfit in Ohio to operate the plant.

Workers at the protest told the local News Tribune that they were concerned about the safety of town residents, as hazardous chemicals have been released from the plant on several occasions since the lockout. The paper reported June 10 that “on June 4 and May 20 hydrogen sulfide was released. In addition, on April 9 and April 6, a report was made that both hydrogen sulfide and carbon disulfide were released.”

The workers handle hazardous and deadly chemicals on a daily basis, from acids to caustics to toxic gases. “We just want to go back to work and do what we do best,” Brett Wiedman, a machine operator at the plant for 22 years, told the News Tribune.

The Peoria Journal Star reports that talks will begin July 5 with a federal mediator. Until now, the plant owners have refused to negotiate with the union.
 
 
Related articles:
Illinois: Rally backs Steelworkers locked out by Honeywell for 1 year
Public workers in Connecticut reject concessions
Canada postal union ends strike under gov’t back-to-work order  
 
 
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