PITTSBURGH, March 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The
United Steelworkers (USW) today said that the members of Local 5114
in Mullan, Idaho, have
overwhelmingly rejected a proposal that would end a year-long
strike at Hecla Mining Company's (NYSE: HL) Lucky Friday mine by
submitting the outstanding issues to binding interest
arbitration.
In a secret ballot election, about 250 USW members, who began
their strike against the company's unfair labor practices almost
exactly one year ago, on March 13,
2017, voted to continue the labor dispute rather than risk
allowing a panel of arbitrators to impose a contract that would
give management unprecedented, unchecked control over who works and
the schedule they work, along with who advances through Hecla's job
progression system and at what pace.
"Clearly, the members of Local 5114 remain united in solidarity
and their determination to fight for the fair contract they have
earned and deserve," said USW District 12 Director Robert LaVenture.
"On their behalf, and on behalf of their families and the
community which has steadfastly supported them, I strongly
encourage Hecla management to return to the bargaining table to
negotiate in good faith and resolve the remaining issues," he
said.
LaVenture said that no meetings with Hecla management are
currently scheduled, but members of Local 5114 will sponsor a rally
at Mullan Pavilion and march to the Lucky Friday picket line on
Saturday, March 17, to commemorate
one year of solidarity in their fight for a fair contract.
The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that
include metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the
service and public sectors. For more information, visit
http://www.usw.org.
More information,
contact:
|
Tony Montana – (412)
562-2592 or tmontana@usw.org
|
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SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)