12.01.2012

Striking machinists to vote

Striking Manitowoc Crane machinists will vote on a modified contract later today and could be back at work by Monday.

The almost 200 machinists from union Local 516 have been on strike for around nine weeks. A few have gone back to work, while the company has also brought in replacement workers in order to keep the plant working.

The new agreement document came out of negotiations held earlier this week between the company, the union and a mediator. It is thought that the modified agreement retain some form of freedom to work without joining the union clause – potentially ending the current ‘closed shop’.
To see the original report click here
See Manitowoc takes temporary workers

UPDATE
The machinists voted 37 to 140 against the amended contract with union representatives stating that the majority want the company to remain a union closed shop.

A statment from the company said: "This agreement included a modified version of our Freedom of Choice proposal and two percent wage increases each year for four consecutive years. While some may call our Freedom of Choice proposal "union busting," the fact is the IAM negotiating committee and a significant minority of employees agreed to the proposal."

"The company remains ready to meet with the federal mediator, if requested, and is continuing to take the necessary steps to meet our customers' production demands."