Steelworkers union warns workers about potential strike early next year at Newport News Shipbuilding
By DAVE RESS
DAILY PRESS |
DEC 08, 2021
Steelworkers at Newport News Shipbuilding have been told to prepare to strike early next year. (Jonathon Gruenke/Daily Press)
With no bargaining sessions planned before the traditional Christmas break at Newport News Shipbuilding, United Steelworkers local 8888 has warned its members to be ready for a walkout next year.
“There is no way to sugarcoat the bruising fight ahead,” the union said in a letter distributed to members this week, while promising to “do everything possible to settle” on an acceptable contract.
“The company must know we are prepared to walk out and stay out to get the contract we deserve,” the letter added.
The union represents more than 10,000 of the shipyard’s 25,000 employees. Last month, members rejected a tentative contract agreement by a 1312-684 vote. That proposed contract had a 60-month term, with annual pay increases, a $2,500 bonus and improvements to pension plans.
“Voting down the first contract offer definitely got the Company’s attention. But it will take much, much more — bold collective action and personal sacrifice — to resolve this contract dispute,” the union’s letter said. “No one wants to go through the economic hardship that comes with missing paychecks and scrambling to make ends meet.
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“But the best way to prevent a strike is to prepare for one – seriously.”
The letter said union leaders were laying the groundwork for organizing picket lines, as well as assistance programs for union members.
The union said letters the shipyard mailed to every member’s home detailing its interpretation of the contract was “old tactic was intended to divide the membership.”
The shipyard didn’t respond to requests for comment.
The union’s last strike was in 1999. That lasted 17 weeks. It ended when union members accepted a 58-month contract that guaranteed at least two promotions for most workers, raise pay 23 percent and pensions 78 percent.
Local 8888 was recognized in 1979, after a strike that included a confrontation between shipbuilders and club-swinging police now remembered by older union members as Bloody Monday.
Dave Ress
By DAVE RESS
DAILY PRESS |
DEC 08, 2021
Steelworkers at Newport News Shipbuilding have been told to prepare to strike early next year. (Jonathon Gruenke/Daily Press)
With no bargaining sessions planned before the traditional Christmas break at Newport News Shipbuilding, United Steelworkers local 8888 has warned its members to be ready for a walkout next year.
“There is no way to sugarcoat the bruising fight ahead,” the union said in a letter distributed to members this week, while promising to “do everything possible to settle” on an acceptable contract.
“The company must know we are prepared to walk out and stay out to get the contract we deserve,” the letter added.
The union represents more than 10,000 of the shipyard’s 25,000 employees. Last month, members rejected a tentative contract agreement by a 1312-684 vote. That proposed contract had a 60-month term, with annual pay increases, a $2,500 bonus and improvements to pension plans.
“Voting down the first contract offer definitely got the Company’s attention. But it will take much, much more — bold collective action and personal sacrifice — to resolve this contract dispute,” the union’s letter said. “No one wants to go through the economic hardship that comes with missing paychecks and scrambling to make ends meet.
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“But the best way to prevent a strike is to prepare for one – seriously.”
The letter said union leaders were laying the groundwork for organizing picket lines, as well as assistance programs for union members.
The union said letters the shipyard mailed to every member’s home detailing its interpretation of the contract was “old tactic was intended to divide the membership.”
The shipyard didn’t respond to requests for comment.
The union’s last strike was in 1999. That lasted 17 weeks. It ended when union members accepted a 58-month contract that guaranteed at least two promotions for most workers, raise pay 23 percent and pensions 78 percent.
Local 8888 was recognized in 1979, after a strike that included a confrontation between shipbuilders and club-swinging police now remembered by older union members as Bloody Monday.
Dave Ress
Staff Writer
Dave Ress covers the military. He's been a reporter in Virginia since 1990 and before that for Reuters in Canada, Britain and Africa. Dave has a PhD in history from the University of New England (Australia) and is the author of 4 books on U.S. and Australian history.
Dave Ress covers the military. He's been a reporter in Virginia since 1990 and before that for Reuters in Canada, Britain and Africa. Dave has a PhD in history from the University of New England (Australia) and is the author of 4 books on U.S. and Australian history.
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