SOMETIMES UNION SOLIDARITY IS AS SIMPLE AS SHOWING UP FOR EACH OTHER

Victory and fairness was obtained by the members of AFSCME Local #3598 employed at the City of Shinnston, WV, who had been working without a contract for almost three years (See article below).

While claiming the overflow crowd of union members packed into the small City Council Chambers and support comments had little effect, the Mayor and Council still voted unanimously to approve the new collective bargaining agreement calling for wage improvements and protecting benefits and job security. Local 3598 President, Perry DelRio, called the new contract, “a fair exchange for our labor and an example of what unions can do by sticking together.”

Ed Hartman, AFSCME State Director, thanked the North Central Labor Council and credited members from ATU, Laborers and a large turnout from USWA Locals 5724 and 5760 for the AFSCME agreement being resolved.

The Steelworker supporters were striking members who have been on the picket line for approximately seven months at Ormet Aluminum Mill Products Corporation and Ormet Primary Aluminum Corporation located just across the West Virginia line in Hannibal, Ohio. Many of their 1200 striking members live in West Virginia. AFSCME is making a strike donation to the Locals’ food pantry. The address follows for any other Locals that would consider a donation:

USWA Locals #5724 and #5760
105 Union Drive
Clarington, Ohio 43915
(write “Strike Food Pantry” on the memo line)

Union City Workers in Shinnston WV Need Your Help This Monday, June 13

Click here for map

Employees of the City of Shinnston who are members of AFSCME Local 3598 have been in negotiations with the City for a new contract for over 3 years. Many things have happened on both sides during this time that delayed negotiations and reaching an agreement. In April the negotiating teams finally reached a tentative agreement.

The elected Shinnston City Council decided in a work session last month to unilaterally change the tentative agreement without even voting up or down on the agreement reached at the bargaining table in a very bad faith move. Therefore, we are requesting that all union brothers and sisters in the area show up at the next regular City Council meeting and help us fill up City Council chambers, the hallway and possibly even outside the building to show support for the workers. The meeting will be held this Monday, June 13th at 7:00 pm. The North Central, WV Labor Council, AFL-CIO voted at our last CLC meeting in Clarksburg to support our Local's efforts and President Tony Blidgett urged the delegates to show Solidarity in this cause.

To get to the Shinnston City Building from Rt. 19 (Harrison County) north turn left at second stoplight in town. Parking is at immediate right and building is across street. From Rt. 19 south turn right at first stoplight in town. Parking is at immediate right. City building is across street. For more information contact Local 3598 President Perry DelRio at 304-669-1283 or the AFSCME state office at 1-800-642-1983. For a map to Shinnston, click here.