National Wire Fabric Attacks Seniority

摘要

Six months into their strike, National Wire Fabric (NWF) workers stay united in their defense of seniority rights at the Star City, Ark., plant and reach out for support from other USW locals and international unions. None of the 56 strikers from USW Local 1671 have crossed the picket line since the strike began July 23, 2005. They remain firm despite the company's hiring of about 35 replacement workers and insistence that those workers stay if a contract is ratified. Workers voted on Jan. 17 against an unconditional return to work because they did not want to train the replacement workers and have them try to decertify the union a year later, said Local 1671 President Michael McClain. Seniority at the plant ranges from seven to 41 years. Thirty-six employees have at least 21 years of service, said McClain.