PINCKNEYVILLE, IL (WSIL) � Steelworkers in Perry County have been working without a contract since Monday. They say they're ready to strike if negotiations don't resume quickly.
"I'm not the only one that feels insulted by it as well,� said Local United Steelworkers Union vice president Marshall Dodds.
Negotiations started in June between Local Steel Workers Union 7252 and representatives for the Eaton Corporation on a new contract. Those negotiations didn't last long.
“About a week and three days into negotiations, we were approached by the company with what they call the last and best final offer,� said Dodds.
Eaton's final offer consisted of a 4 percent increase in wages over the first year and a 3 1/2 percent increase each of the next two years.
It was rather appalling to the membership for what they were asking for,� said Dodds.
But because an offer was on the table Dodds says the members voted on it and the result spoke loudly as it was voted down by a majority.
That leaves the Local Union 7252 with no other choice but to consider a strike, but that too has been put on hold.
“We're still waiting for the International to step in and do their job,� said Dodds. “We pay dues to them so that they'll have our back.�
But for Dodds and the rest of the Local Union 7252 that doesn't seem like it's happening
“We feel like we're in limbo,� Dodds says. “We don't feel like we have the backing of the international like we need it.�
Dodds and the rest of the members don't want to strike. As he put it, a strike doesn't do anyone any good. But what does have to happen to prevent that for at least the short term?
“I'd like to see them come off their last and best final offer and offer us a fair wage increase for the next three years,� said Dodds. “I believe people will vote that in and we can go back to our jobs as normal.�
