Press Releases
Fort Polk Teamsters Vote for Strike Authorization
(HUMBLE, Texas) –– Fort Polk federal contractors that work for URS/AECOM voted overwhelmingly for strike authorization last week following their rejection of a substandard last, best and final offer from the company. The workers, who are members of Teamsters Local 19 in Humble, Texas, voted down the contract proposal by a 90 percent margin.
The company’s proposal would have enacted deep cuts to retirement contributions and eliminated work rules that allowed for flexible policies for paid time off. Since URS/AECOM took over the federal contract in August 2015, employer-union relations have deteriorated.
“We began representing the federal workers at Fort Polk in 2006 and have been able to negotiate fair contracts with the prior employer with little to no incidents,” said Robert Clever, President of Teamsters Local 19. “Since URS/AECOM took over in August we have encountered nothing but resistance from the company. They challenge our contract language, ignoring or misinterpreting the language to fit their needs.”
URS/AECOM issued a last, best and final offer to the union following two, one-week negotiating sessions during which the company refused to negotiate a fair contract that was satisfactory to both sides.
“We have encountered nothing but resistance during our attempts to hammer out a fair and equitable contract for these workers,” Clever said. “URS/AECOM seems to have only one goal in mind – weaken contract language and impose its will on these workers. We call on the company to return to negotiations and work with us to find a solution. But I offer this word of caution – this is strong, united group that will not be pushed around and will strike if necessary.”
The Fort Polk Teamsters are employed by URS/AECOM and its subcontractors, EAGLE, TSI, LMR and DST.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.