The construction strike in Chicago is nearly two weeks old and does not appear to be ending any time soon. However, by reading into things, it appears the unions were not quite ready to have their members go out, as the only strike pay it looks like strikers are getting are boxes of food.
Union officials say they had no choice but to strike. Workers are dealing with hours reduced from an average of 1,600 annually to 1,000 as well as unemployment among laborers and operating engineers. Rising health care costs of 10 percent to 12 percent a year are hurting members, they note.
Local 150 President-Business Manager James M. Sweeney says the companies offer further supports the union’s charges against the contractors for unfair labor practices.
“They are simply not attempting to bargain in good faith,” Sweeney told the Chicago Sun-Times. “We made ourselves available 24 hours a day. The livelihoods of thousands of working men and women depend on these negotiations, and while we have made ourselves available, the employers are running out the back door or meetings,” he said.
MARBA representatives say they are not seeking to reduce wages and are surprised that the workers would strike during the midst of an unstable economy. The construction companies argue that funds are tight because of the economic downturn.
“We are feeding 1,000 families a week with boxes of food,” said Sweeney. “We are covering COBRA payments for 1,200 families who have lost health-care coverage. We have spent millions upon millions of dollars to make sure that our members are provided for, so for them to insinuate that we are not aware of the economic conditions is insulting.”
Millions spent after only 12 days? With so many construction workers already out of work, perhaps the unions may want to reconsider striking in this economy?
Nah. We didn’t think so.
Read more here.
