Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, August 1, 1994 TAG: 9408010087
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"We just want to get back what we've lost," said a union representative for the local branch of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace workers.
A two-week negotiating period between the union and company representatives ended Friday when union members voted to turn down a new contract.
Three years ago, the St. Louis-based Harbour Group took over the Iron Gate plant, formerly known as Acadia Polymers. When the new owners offered their contract, the union was able to vote it down. But they could not gain enough support for a strike, and the contract was implemented.
But the union representative, who asked that his name not be used, said union members had no choice but to agree to that contract.
``They told us, `Either you take what we're offering, or find another job.'''
He said the three-year contract, which expired Saturday at midnight, offered wages, benefits and pension plans that were lower than what they had received before Harbour took over.
"We lost a huge amount of everything [three years ago]. There is nothing unreasonable about our demands. ... We just want our share of the good fortune the company has had," he said.
He said the union is waiting for a response - and an offer to continue negotiations - from the company.
"We have to have communication, or we'll never get nowhere. But the people spoke, and we're going to have to wait until we get a response," he said.
Company officials could not be reached for comment at their homes Sunday night.
by CNB