Local 1421 Members
At Stepan Show
Theyre Serious
About Bargaining
ANAHEIM, Calif.
With negotiations approaching, the members of amalgamated UE
Local 1421 at Stepan Chemical opted to strengthen their hand in a dramatic way
they voted overwhelmingly to boost their monthly dues from $20.52 to
$42.76.
"We hope this will send a strong message to the company
that we are ready to WIN a GOOD contract when bargaining begins this
fall," Chief Steward Bryan Martindale wrote to UE Genl. Pres. John
Hovis.
Martindale explained that discussion among his co-workers was
prompted by his report to the membership on the previous District 10 Council,
where there was a thorough airing of the UE financial plan. Stepan workers
took the plan seriously, he said.
"Stepan members have been a part of UE for many years and
know the importance of having a rank-and-file national union," Martindale
said. "We also understand that, in order for the union to grow and
operate effectively, it must have the financial means to do so. We conducted a
secret ballot vote that would dramatically raise monthly dues and shift to an
hourly formula of 2 times the average hourly rate of pay contained in the
contract."
The vote was nearly unanimous, Martindale reported.
UE News - 08/23/01 - Web
