Striking Bemis Workers Agree to New Contract
August 30, 2009
Contact: Eric Sharfstein, Workers United, (917) 208-6980, eric.sharfstein@workersunitedunion.org
Terre Haute, Indiana - Earlier today, members of Local 1426 Workers United, an SEIU affiliate, who had been on strike since July 21st at Bemis Inc. in Terre Haute, Indiana agreed to a new contract with their employer. The company makes flexible packaging.
The agreement does away with Bemis' plans to utilize temporary workers. Seasonal employees working for more than 5 months will become a part of the bargaining unit.
"This seasonal workers program provides a guaranteed path to permanent employment, which is what we've been fighting for," said Bemis worker Kelly Cooksey. "We want more jobs that are permanent. We need jobs that include a good wage and good benefits. That's what this community needs."
On the issue of health care, the union now has the right to bargain an alternative health plan that does not mandate Health Risk Assessment testing. In the company's health care plan, children of workers will not be required to submit to Health Risk Assessments for the term of the contract.
"Health care benefit improvements were critical for us in these negotiations," said Bemis worker Chris Scott. "We will continue to stand up for the health care that we and our families need. Maybe more importantly, we're going to keep fighting for health care reform on a national level so no working person has to choose between medical care and other basic needs."
The workers also agreed to a longer contract, three years and ten months, rather than the original three-year proposal.
"By agreeing to a longer contract, we are showing the same commitment we've shown for 52 years," said Bemis worker Walker Carver. "We are committed to making sure that Terre Haute has good jobs that put food on the table."
Workers United, SEIU is a union of 150,000 workers in the US and Canada who work in the textile, apparel, laundry, food service, hospitality, gaming, manufacturing and distribution industries. www.workersunitedunion.org
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Workers want change
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Distribution, Fingerhut Corp, Pres. Local 978 St. Cloud, MN
UNITE HERE wasn't addressing the needs of the members. We're glad to be in a new union that puts the members first!
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Cook, Westin Hotel, Pittsburg Local 57 member for 22years
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