Strike Threat Brings Good Contract at White Conveyor (12/18/07)

A new three-year contract was ratified by 43 RWDSU Local 262 members at White Conveyor, in Kenilworth New Jersey on November 29, bringing an end to difficult negotiations that resulted in membership voting to authorize a strike if the company didn't offer a reasonable agreement.

Members at the plant, who manufacture conveyor belt systems used at dry cleaners, hotels, and other establishments, were fed up with management's insistence that they could not afford to improve the contract.

"The company was offering no increase or improvement in benefits, and a mere 11 cent increase in pay," said Local 262 Secretary-Treasurer Pat Sperduto. "They swore up and down that they simply couldn't offer more, but wouldn't offer any evidence to confirm that this was really the case. The members were upset at being told they would have to accept a bad contract, with only the company's word that this was the best they could do. They voted to authorize a strike."

Armed with the strike authorization, Local 262 negotiators gave the company one last chance to improve their offer. After an emergency negotiating session, a new three-year contract was hammered out. There would be no change or increase in cost to any of the benefits, and members would receive a 35 cent increase in hourly pay each year of the contract.

"Local 262 members stood together and backed up the negotiating committee when it was absolutely crucial," Sperduto said. "They were rewarded with a fair contract that protects benefits and increases wages."