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27 February, 2023On 22 February about 100 members from the United Steelworkers (USW), an IndustriALL Global Union affiliate, went on strike protesting unfair labour practices.
The strike was the last resort for workers seeking justice at Continental Cement. Negotiations over a new contract have been ongoing for eleven months, with management dragging their feet over a new contract. The collective agreement expired in May 2022 and workers have continued to fulfil their obligations while negotiations have dragged on.
According to IndustriALL affiliate USW negotiations have been hindered by management’s unfair demands on workers to be silent on matters regarding scheduling issues, overtime, and cross training, as well as its discriminatory terminations of union employees and refusal to provide information needed for bargaining.
“Continental Cement’s actions have left workers no other options but to make their voices heard by striking against unfair labour practices. We are determined to fight for the fair contract. It's time for Continental Cement to follow the law and negotiate in good faith for a fair contract,”
said USW District 11 director, Emil Ramirez.
“IndustriALL stands in solidarity with USW members at Continental Cement and wishes them the most rapid and fair resolution to the conflict. IndustriALL calls on Continental Cement to immediately stop any unfair labour practices and come back to the union bargaining committee with a decent contract proposal,”
says IndustriALL cement director Alexander Ivanou.
The strike is still on-going and USW have prepared a new offer which they will present to management.