Read this article in:
24 August, 1999The new owner of the Avondale shipyard, Litton Industries, is apparently more union-friendly than its predecessor.
USA: According to the AFL-CIO, employees at the Avondale shipyard, in New Orleans, Louisiana, got an early taste of some of the changes in store when the new owner, Litton, took over this month. In contrast to blunt "edicts" sent by the former owner, Avondale Industries, Litton began by greeting its employees on the first day with a detailed four-page newsletter describing its corporate plans and options for the merger.
With regard to a labour agreement, the newsletter indicated that management wanted "a timely resolution to the union representation matter," saying it prefers a solution which "does not adversely impact on the competitive posture of our company" and that a range of options are being considered. Thus, the campaign for union recognition will continue at Avondale until an agreement is reached.
It has now been six years since workers at the New Orleans shipyard voted for collective representation, but management used every possible manoeuvre to delay or deny the workers their democratic right to trade union membership. In addition, the shipyard has an abysmal health and safety record and very low wages.
With regard to a labour agreement, the newsletter indicated that management wanted "a timely resolution to the union representation matter," saying it prefers a solution which "does not adversely impact on the competitive posture of our company" and that a range of options are being considered. Thus, the campaign for union recognition will continue at Avondale until an agreement is reached.
It has now been six years since workers at the New Orleans shipyard voted for collective representation, but management used every possible manoeuvre to delay or deny the workers their democratic right to trade union membership. In addition, the shipyard has an abysmal health and safety record and very low wages.