Remembering the Strike
Last Time
Load King Management
Seeks Hassle-Free Contract
ELK POINT, S.D.
Faced with company unfair labor practices, UE Local 1187
members struck the Load King division of CMI on Feb. 9, 1999. For nine long
months, they maintained their picket lines on the prairie despite snow and icy
winds that winter and broiling temperatures in the summer. Union members took
the fight for a fair contract to CMI headquarters in Oklahoma City, Okla., and
to dealerships in four other states. Eventually, the tractor trailer
manufacturer agreed to bargain in good faith. Local 1187 members ratified a
strike settlement on Oct. 24, 1999 (see: Struggle
Ends at CMI-Load King).
Negotiations went much more smoothly this time. Well aware of
the recent past, new management set a conflict-free settlement as its goal.
Local 1187 members ratified a new four-year agreement that
raises wages 45 cents on Jan. 1, 2002, and again on Jan. 1, 2003 and 2004,
with a 55-cent increase on Jan. 1, 2005.
The union committee kept employees health insurance costs
to just $12 (for both single and family coverage) over the life of the
agreement.
The Local 1187 negotiating committee consisted of Pres. Jim
Vennard, Vice Pres. Scott Nearman, Rec. Sec. Joe Kyte, Fin.
Sec. Jim Hall, and Lyle Downs. They were assisted by Field Org. Rocky
DeMaio.
UE News - 2/02
