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11 August, 2005ICEM News release No. 83/2001
An unfair labour practice strike by 700 members of America's Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union (PACE) against Purico Ltd. has received a boost from British paper workers and the union federation representing paper and pulp workers worldwide.
The strike, which began on October 15, is taking place at Purico's Ecusta paper mill in Brevard, North Carolina. The plant produces paper for tobacco products, financial forms and bibles. It is the world's third largest supplier of tobacco papers.
Purico was founded recently by Nat Puri, an Indian citizen who resides in the United Kingdom, and the Brevard plant was bought in September from PH Glatfelter. Puri reportedly has a business empire worth over £100 million. Most of Puri's companies are part of the Melton Medes Group, a holding company involved in various businesses, including polymers, carpets and textiles and engineering. Although based in the UK, Puri's businesses are incorporated in the Isle of Man.
The union has alleged that Nat Puri and his local management have refused to bargain in good faith and have threatened to close the plant if the union workers do not agree to management's contract demands. The company is demanding a 20 percent wage cut, a tripling of employee self-payment for health insurance, elimination of retiree health insurance and paid holidays, a major cut in Sunday premium pay, and the end of contract language protecting the workers' jobs if the plant is sold.
In a recent message of support, Tony Dubbins, General Secretary of Britain's Graphical, Paper & Media Union (GPMU) told PACE, "We call upon management to withdraw their current proposals and to immediately resume meaningful talks with PACE representatives."
"In the meantime," Dubbins continued, "we salute your resolve and are confident that the solidarity and courage of your members will prevail and that a successful outcome will be achieved."
Also adding his voice was Fred Higgs, General Secretary of the 20-million-strong International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM), which represents more than 2 million workers worldwide in the pulp, paper and packaging industries. Both PACE and the GPMU are ICEM affiliates.
"We will not stand by while Nat Puri attempts to destroy the livelihoods and job security of American workers," said Higgs. "Puri's workers around the world demand that the company immediately return to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair and just agreement with PACE."
"We are grateful for the growing international support for this strike," said PACE International President Boyd Young. "We are determined to see that justice is done."
The strike, which began on October 15, is taking place at Purico's Ecusta paper mill in Brevard, North Carolina. The plant produces paper for tobacco products, financial forms and bibles. It is the world's third largest supplier of tobacco papers.
Purico was founded recently by Nat Puri, an Indian citizen who resides in the United Kingdom, and the Brevard plant was bought in September from PH Glatfelter. Puri reportedly has a business empire worth over £100 million. Most of Puri's companies are part of the Melton Medes Group, a holding company involved in various businesses, including polymers, carpets and textiles and engineering. Although based in the UK, Puri's businesses are incorporated in the Isle of Man.
The union has alleged that Nat Puri and his local management have refused to bargain in good faith and have threatened to close the plant if the union workers do not agree to management's contract demands. The company is demanding a 20 percent wage cut, a tripling of employee self-payment for health insurance, elimination of retiree health insurance and paid holidays, a major cut in Sunday premium pay, and the end of contract language protecting the workers' jobs if the plant is sold.
In a recent message of support, Tony Dubbins, General Secretary of Britain's Graphical, Paper & Media Union (GPMU) told PACE, "We call upon management to withdraw their current proposals and to immediately resume meaningful talks with PACE representatives."
"In the meantime," Dubbins continued, "we salute your resolve and are confident that the solidarity and courage of your members will prevail and that a successful outcome will be achieved."
Also adding his voice was Fred Higgs, General Secretary of the 20-million-strong International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM), which represents more than 2 million workers worldwide in the pulp, paper and packaging industries. Both PACE and the GPMU are ICEM affiliates.
"We will not stand by while Nat Puri attempts to destroy the livelihoods and job security of American workers," said Higgs. "Puri's workers around the world demand that the company immediately return to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair and just agreement with PACE."
"We are grateful for the growing international support for this strike," said PACE International President Boyd Young. "We are determined to see that justice is done."