Sherwin Refuses to End Lockout

USW Resumes Negotiations, Company Continues to Demand Deep Cuts

Contact: Ben Lilienfeld: 832-556-0370, blilienfeld@usw.org

GREGORY, Texas (December 10, 2014) — The United Steelworkers released the following statement today from USW District 13 Sub-Director Ben Lilienfeld after bargaining resumed yesterday and today between the USW and Sherwin Alumina. No further negotiating sessions are scheduled at this time.

“The USW bargaining team approached the past two days of negotiations hopeful that we could reach a contract agreement that is fair to both sides and puts 450 hard-working members of our community back on the job.

Unfortunately, the company has a different agenda. It’s clear that Sherwin still wants to bully and intimidate its work force until they agree to unreasonable and unnecessary demands for deep cuts in pay and benefits. The company came to the table with a proposal that made only token progress and flatly refused the USW’s proposal to end the lockout in the spirit of the holidays, as we continue to negotiate.

This is a highly profitable company, and the market for its product is improving. There is simply no reason – other than greed – for Sherwin to continue to keep its doors locked on these workers. It is bad for the workers, their families and our entire community.

It wasn’t that long ago that Sherwin said its workers were like “family.” The holidays are a time when family members open their doors to each other, a time to put aside differences and celebrate our common humanity. Unfortunately, Sherwin is determined to act as Scrooge this holiday season and keep its “family” locked out.” 

USW District 13 represents more than 50,000 members in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.
The USW is the largest industrial union in North America, representing workers in a range of industries including metals, mining, rubber, paper and forestry, oil refining, health care, security, hotels, and municipal governments.

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