BRADLEY, Ill. — More than 700 members of International Chemical Workers Union Council Local 498C went on strike here against CSL Behring Sept. 27.
The multinational company produces medication for those with immune deficiencies and bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia. It reported a $2.24 billion net profit for 2022.
The union says defending jobs is a key issue. “Over the past two to three years the company has subcontracted out our work in the sanitation department and in part of the facilities maintenance department,” John Austin, president of the local, told the Militant. “Now it wants the right to lay off union members after they hire contract workers to replace them at lower pay. This strike isn’t about money. It is about job security.”
After rejecting the company’s contract proposal, workers voted 652-1 to authorize a strike Sept. 24. The union organized mass picketing of several hundred workers from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on the first three days of their walkout.
“We’ve had several unions stop by the picket line,” said Austin, “including Teamsters, electrical and sheet metal workers and pipefitters.”
Some strikers explained that the work schedules, which are organized on a seven-day rotation, wreak havoc with their family life. “I work 12-hour shifts because of overtime. I spend more time at the company than with my family,” Pat Cox said. “We’re required to work overtime if enough of us don’t volunteer.”
Workers say they’re inspired by the strike by the United Auto Workers. “We’re not the only ones standing up for our rights. There are a lot of other workers who are putting up a fight too,” said striker Gus Pournaras.