Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 2, 1995 TAG: 9503020045
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JEFF STURGEON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The ploy succeeded in drawing attention to Local D-314 of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. Other unions sent 17 people to stand along U.S. 220 for about two hours near the Howard Johnson motel where the boilermakers bargained to have cuts in their compensation package restored, union sources said.
The two sides concluded what they estimated was their 20th meeting since March 1993 and planned to meet again on March 28.
The union said workers lost seniority and opportunities to earn overtime pay after Titan Cement of Athens, Greece, took control of the cement factory in 1992. Titan imposed the changes after signing a partnership with the plant's owner, Tarmac America of London.
Workers continued to report to their jobs, but are upset that Titan never has signed a new labor agreement.
When Titan bought the operation it pledged $25 million toward a $38-million modernization of the plant, one of Botetourt County's largest private employers and Virginia's only cement manufacturer. But the boilermakers worry the modernization will eliminate jobs. The plant employs 112 hourly workers and 75 salaried personnel.
On Wednesday, the union marked the two-year anniversary of the start of its talks with Titan by taking its complaints public.
"Everything is not well at the Roanoke Cement plant," said Jeffrey Stump, president of the local union. "This was the first time pickets were out. We feel two years is more than adequate time to reach some agreement."
James Cantrell, a union representative who is participating in talks, said workers aren't seeking to roll back the clock to 1992.
"The union has agreed to take a lot less than what they had," Cantrell said.
Victor Hansen, an Atlanta attorney who negotiates on the company's behalf, said Titan was within its right to establish new ground rules.
"It's always the case that a new company sets its initial employment conditions," Hansen said.
Asked if he believed two years was an unusually long period for negotiations to last, he said he did not. He said the company would sign an agreement as soon as acceptable terms are reached.
The plant's modernization - due to begin next month - is essential to cut dust and energy use and sharpen the company's competitive edge, according to Hansen and General Manager Tom Neary.
"This was basically an obsolete plant," Hansen said. "We see that work as to the benefit of everybody who works there."
Those protesting against the company Wednesday included Walter Wise, president of the Roanoke United Central Labor Council, a coalition of 37 union locals to which the boilermakers turned for support.
Wise called the event "an informational exercise" and that his role in it fit within the council's mission of helping affiliates. Wise said he held a sign saying, "Roanoke Cement. Bad faith bargaining."
by CNB