Local 120 Fights
Locke's Givebacks
BALTIMORE, Md.
 |
| Director of Organization Bob Kingsley at Local
120 picket-line rally. |
[Editor's Note: This strike came to a successful conclusion with the
membership ratification of a tentative agreement on Friday, November 13th, 1998].
Local 120 struck Locke Insulators on Oct. 1 when negotiations failed to
achieve an adequate settlement. The owner, NGK/Japan, is demanding numerous concessions
while refusing to offer a fair wage increase.
Three years ago, Local 120 members reluctantly agreed to wage and benefit
cuts and contract language changes that NGK said were the price of keeping the plant open.
This year in negotiations the company came to the table with further concessions: attacks
on medical insurance, overtime pay, vacation pay, the grievance procedure and the union
itself.
Although Local 120 members have done their part to keep the business
going, they have been treated with callous disrespect, harassment and firings on
trumped-up charges. The more than 280 union members are fighting back, taking to the
streets to give muscle to their demand for a concession-free contract and dignity on the
job.
Letters of support and contributions can be sent to Craig Turner,
President, UE Local 120, 7427 Rockville Rd., Pikesville, MD 21208.
