Overwhelming Majority Makes It Loud and Clear

In an outstanding show of strength and support, more than 80 percent of production and maintenance employees at the Coastal Paper mill in Wiggins, Miss. have voted to join the Steelworkers.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) conducted the election and announced the results as being 65-16 in favor of the USW. Our union will represent the 86 employees who help Coastal produce wrapping paper, napkins and other products.

"Employees formed a union because they wanted a voice on the job," said USW organizer Curtis Hawkins. "They gave management a chance three years ago to resolve problems when they declined to unionize, but the company responded with job cutbacks, wage cuts, increased health care premiums and discipline for missing work due to illness or a death in the family."

Hawkins said he expected the NLRB to certify the election. The next step is for the workers to elect a negotiating committee and begin talks with the company for a first contract.

"We expect that Coastal Paper will negotiate in good faith," said Hawkins. "I know the company's employees are anxious to create a good working relationship with management."

The workers become members of USW District 9, where Connie Entrekin is Director. The USW is the largest industrial union in North America and represents over 850,000 workers.

For more information, contact the USW at (877) 511-8792

For an Organizing Contact Request Form, click HERE