Rally puts spotlight on lockout at Plymouth foundry

The temperatures were warm in comparison to the company\’s attitude toward its employees, said members of Local 63B of the Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics and Allied Workers International Union.

"They don\’t care about the workers," said Roy Hanson, a molder at the company for the past 11 years. "If they did, they wouldn\’t be locking us out before the holidays."

His co-worker, Nikki Carlin, said she is struggling to hang onto her health insurance, which was cut off after the Oct. 26 lockout.

"I can\’t find another job," she said. "They cut off our medical." By law, Carlin can keep her health insurance by paying both the employer and employee premiums, but the cost is eating up nearly all of her income, she said.

Leaders of the Minnesota AFL-CIO and the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, officers and members of a number of other unions and representatives of the faith community showed solidarity with Hanson, Carlin and other locked-out workers at the rally outside the Progress Casting facility, located in a Plymouth industrial park.

They were joined by Frannie Franken, wife of U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken, and a representative of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, who both voiced their support for the workers.

"This economy is in a lot of trouble," said Franken. "But the solution is not to lock workers out of this plant."

Locked-out workers and supporters gathered outside Progress Casting Wednesday.

The contract between Local 63B and Progress Casting expired Sept. 30. Presented with two concessionary contract offers by the employer, the workers chose not to vote on the proposals and to continue working under the old contract.

Progress Casting Group phoned workers Oct. 26, telling them not to come to work the next day. Workers who did report to work were turned away, the union said.

The company and union met Tuesday, but the meeting was short and unproductive, said Dale Jeter, international executive officer for the union.

"The company took the position unless we accept their final offer, the lockout will continue," he said. The union is attempting to set up another negotiation session, but management says it is not available until January, Jeter said.

Workers said the company\’s proposal includes many unacceptable provisions, including a cut in wages of $2.50 an hour, the establishment of a two-tier wage system under which new hires would be paid substantially less and major changes in overtime, vacation and seniority language.

"They took a shotgun approach to our contract," said Nick Hill, union shop chairman.

The company built up inventory before the lockout and is continuing to operate with the use of workers from a temporary agency, Hill said. Jobs at the foundry are being advertised on Craig\’s List at $16.23 an hour – more than the company is willing to pay new hires under its two-tier proposal, Hill noted.

The union has filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board, saying the company has failed to bargain in good faith. Because they are locked out, the workers are eligible for unemployment benefits and most have started receiving payments, said Greg Sticha, financial secretary-treasurer for Local 63B.

The union has set up a fund to assist members. Donations may be sent to "GMP 63B Relief Fund," 2520 Kennedy St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.

Supporters also are asked to write Progress Casting to urge an end to the lockout. Letters may be sent to Bill Bieber (owner) or Tim Meador (general manager), Progress Casting, 2600 Niagara Lane N., Plymouth, MN 55447.

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