27 September, 2013IndustriALL Global Union conveys staunch support to USW Local 8565 fighting for a decent employment contract at ThyssenKrupp’s Rotek subsidiary in Aurora, Ohio.
Rotek Incorporated is the North American leading manufacturer of slewing bearings and a market leader for seamless forged steel and non-ferrous metal rings.
On September 21, 2013, the 100 plus members of United Steelworkers Local 8565, on an unfair labor practice strike at Rotek, were joined in Solidarity by Steelworker locals and others in the community. An estimated crowd of 300 braved a constant downpour.
The crowd was addressed by USW local members, USW District Director Dave McCall, Ohio State AFL-CIO President Tim Burga and US Congressman Tim Ryan among others.
In addition, a staggering list of international support letters were acknowledged and read to the crowd. The members of Local 8565 also participated in a local parade that morning. The route of the parade went through downtown Ravenna that had over 20 local businesses showing their support for the workers at Rotek in their fight for fairness and justice.
IndustriALL Global Union general secretary Jyrki Raina sent solidarity and support to Local 8565 on behalf of the international:
We strongly deplore the company’s failure to resume negotiations with the union and meet the legitimate demands of the workers. Furthermore, we condemn the company’s attempt to resume production by hiring temporary replacement workers.
Concessions are being demanded of employees more and more frequently. Employees are repeatedly asked to pay the price for the difficult economic situation. These circumstances are unacceptable. It must be understood that the employees are not at fault – on the contrary, business success is impossible without them.
We demand that ThyssenKrupp’s Rotek subsidiary immediately resumes negotiations to find a mutually agreeable resolution of the labor dispute.
We stand firm in solidarity with you on your industrial action to achieve a fair and equitable contract.