Headline News
ATMI Precast Workers Join Teamsters
They perform tough work, so these workers needed a tough union. About 80 workers at ATMI Precast in Aurora, Illinois, recently voted by more than a 2-to-1 margin to join Teamsters Local 673. The workers, who manufacture cement precast walls, work as crane operators, loading laborers, forklift operators, quality control inspectors, building maintenance employees, welders and more.
“They manufacture the big concrete panels that are used when you see warehouses being built,” said Santiago Perez Jr., a business agent and Trustee with Local 673. “Each panel is a huge wall and they deliver them one piece at a time on a flatbed. It’s very demanding work.”
Despite the difficult nature of their jobs, the workers’ pay averages between $8.20 and $11 per hour. The workers took a 10 percent pay cut in September 2009 and another 10 percent cut in January 2010. They joined the union seeking respect, fair wages and benefits on the job.
“The workers are in need of a fair wage for their labor and the right to a grievance procedure to address working conditions,” said Roger Kohler, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 673. “The new members voted for representation despite an anti-union campaign run by the company and they know the Teamsters will diligently represent them at the bargaining table to secure a better standard of living for themselves and their families.”
Tomas Gomez has worked at ATMI Precast for five years. He has been a union member before and knows firsthand the benefits of union representation.
“It has been years of favoritism here and pressure to work more for less. The company was saying they were going to lower our pay further and lay off workers. I was wondering if I would be next,” Gomez said. “We are working now toward a good contract and I feel very good about it.”
“These workers were determined to stand up for their rights in the workplace and should be proud of what they have accomplished,” said John T. Coli, International Union Vice President and President of Joint Council 25. “We look forward to representing them and negotiating a strong Teamster contract.”