Union Pipefitters and Roofers remain on strike in the Twin Cities, more than a month after their contracts expired. Meanwhile, two Building Trades unions avoided strikes when members ratified new contracts May 31, and two others continue to work despite contracts that expired April 30.

A rundown:

Asbestos Workers Local 34
Members approved a new three-year contract May 31 that includes general increases of $2.35, $2.35 and $2.35 an hour. The settlement funnels 15 cents over the first two years into a new apprenticeship training center, said Harold DuChene, business manager for Local 34. The old contract expired May 31.

Pipefitters
Local 455 in St. Paul and Local 539 in Minneapolis will enter their second month on strike June 7. Members most recently rejected a three-year contract proposal that would have provided annual increases of $2.26, $2.30 and $2.35 an hour. Negotiators met May 28 and discussed means of moving money around, said Jerry Barnes, business manager of Local 455. 'But no increase was offered. They haven't budged an inch,' he said.

The union is seeking $2.76 an hour, Barnes said, and about 40 contractors have signed interim contracts agreeing to that amount. 'So it's not accurate when they say none of the contractors are willing to pay that kind of increase,' Barnes said.

The locals represent more than 2,000 members in 14 metro-area counties. In addition to work under interim agreements, members continue to perform residential service work and to work at sites covered by project-labor agreements.

Roofers Local 96
By a 3-1 margin, members rejected a proposed five-year contract on June 3. Business manager Bob Danley said financial terms were similar to the two-year deal members rejected earlier. The local represents about 1,000 members in the metro area. Except for jobs covered by project-labor agreements, members have been on strike since May 1. Danley said the union would be back at the bargaining table June 5.

Sheet Metal Workers Local 10
Negotiators are recommending ratification of the latest proposal from the Sheet Metal and Roofing Contractors Association, said John Beaulieu, business manager of Local 10. Members - who rejected two previous offers - were scheduled to vote June 6 at 8 a.m. at North Heights Lutheran Church, at Highways 10 and 96 in Arden Hills.

The new three-year deal includes increases of $2.26, $2.40 and $2.40. Most of Local 10's members have remained on the job since their contract expired April 30. Local 10 represents 2,400 members in 11 metro counties.

Sign, Display and Allied Trades Local 880
The local's 70 members remain on the job while negotiations drag on for a new metro-area master contract for the sign industry.

Business representative Paul Richards said he believes a new contract will have to be settled by binding arbitration. 'I don't even want to say what they're offering, it's so ridiculous,' he said. The union's expiring contract, which has been extended since April 30, has a no-strike clause.

Sprinkler Fitters Local 417
Members approved a new three-year contract May 31 that provides general increases of $2.25, $2.30 and $2.35 an hour. Just as crucial, the new contract includes additional payments toward health insurance when members work overtime, said Jim Kelzenberg, business manager for Local 417.

'That's a big deal, especially the way health costs are going up,' he said. 'That closed it right there.' The previous contract expired May 31.

This article was written for The Union Advocate newspaper, the official publication of the St. Paul Trades and Labor Assembly. Used by permission. E-mail The Advocate at: advocate@mtn.org