ANTIOCH, Calif. — More than 100 workers went on strike at the Georgia-Pacific Sheetrock plant here Sept. 16 after company bosses refused to offer more than a 3% wage increase.
“The big issue is money,” said Jose Rivera, who has worked here nine years. Married with three children, he told the Militant he typically works 60 or 70 hours a week just to pay their bills.
Every worker in the plant walked out. For most it is their first strike. About 90 of them are members of International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 6. Others are mechanics and electricians, members of International Association of Machinists Local 1584. Teamster truck drivers are honoring the picket lines.
Forced overtime, last minute schedule changes and lack of family time are also big issues. “More often than not, you can be forced to work 12-hour shifts for five or six days in a row,” said Christian Ortega, a worker and production and shipping union representative with Local 6. “You can have plans for doing something with your family and at the last minute they can force you to cancel them and come in.”
Workers are also fed up with unsafe working conditions. Pigeons fly through the plant dropping feces. Proper ventilation or showers are needed for dealing with fiberglass you get covered with, as well as the heat inside the plant, Ortega said.
Georgia-Pacific reported revenue of over $17 billion in 2023. To try to break the strike, the company is busing in scabs from as far away as Texas and Arizona.
Solidarity with this fight is needed. Unions and individuals are urged to donate to “Support Local 6 Workers in Their Strike for Fair Wages — GoFundMe.” Join the picket line weekdays outside the plant at 801 Minaker Drive.