UNION WORKERS AT BABBITT BEARINGS REMAIN ON STRIKE FOR A FAIR CONTRACT
Come out and see the RAT!
Members of Workers United Local 1947 remain in solidarity while being on strike for over eight weeks. The Union and the Company have been unable to reach an agreement on a fair wage increase and affordable healthcare for employees. The company canceled their health and dental insurance in the middle of the pandemic!
Union Business Representative Erin Young states, “Senior members of the union are standing in solidarity with junior members of the bargaining unit for a reasonable wage increase and affordable healthcare. The Company has steadfastly refused to discuss any changes to contributions for this year, while not officially claiming an inability to provide this to their employees. “
The Union proposed a $0.50 raise, other non-economic changes, and a cap on out-of-pocket costs for healthcare at 25% of the premium. The company is now refusing to offer any additional contributions for the union employees this year, despite being in the middle of a global pandemic.
It is public knowledge that Babbitt Bearings Inc. has been granted a PPP loan totaling between $350,000 and $1 million. The Union does not find the last proposal unreasonable. Instead of spending the time to truly resolve the issues; the company spends their time sending out letters to the members detailing how to cross their union picket line.
We are asking for community support to urge the company to work with Union through the bargaining process in good faith, and offer these hardworking employees the healthcare contribution and wages they deserve. We are sending a message that healthcare costs are burying families in medical expenses during a pandemic, and that company loyalty and hard work should equal fair pay and increases commensurate to inflation.
Please join the members of Local 1947 and their allies to send another message to the company that we are united and will not tolerate an employer reaping excess profits by depriving its employees of affordable health insurance.
WHO: Members of Workers United Local 1947 at Babbitt Bearings, Inc.
WHAT: Message to the company demanding a fair contract.
WHEN: Friday, August 14th, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Babbitt Bearings Inc., 734 Burnet Ave. Syracuse, NY