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IUE-CWA Members Strike Aerospace Firm
Striking workers at SPX Corp. in Newington, Conn., members of IUE-CWA Local 81266, are in a tough fight with the aerospace components manufacturer.
Picket lines went up July 9 with union members determined to fight back against the company's campaign to break the union.
"Basically, SPX wants to throw out our contract," said Ray Kotulski, the local's president. The company demands include full rights to subcontract work and bypass seniority, the elimination of cost-of-living and premium pay, and big cuts in retiree health care.
The IUE-CWA workers were joined by some 300 labor supporters, including IUE-CWA President Ed Fire, and elected officials from throughout Connecticut at an Aug. 13 rally. More than 40 members of CWA 1298, with Local President Paul Hongo, joined the demonstration and pledged their support for the striking workers.
The SPX workers, who produce aerospace parts for defense helicopters, are a critical part of the defense effort. Currently, the plant is operating with a skeletal crew, with 25 temporary workers hired through a security firm.
Picket lines went up July 9 with union members determined to fight back against the company's campaign to break the union.
"Basically, SPX wants to throw out our contract," said Ray Kotulski, the local's president. The company demands include full rights to subcontract work and bypass seniority, the elimination of cost-of-living and premium pay, and big cuts in retiree health care.
The IUE-CWA workers were joined by some 300 labor supporters, including IUE-CWA President Ed Fire, and elected officials from throughout Connecticut at an Aug. 13 rally. More than 40 members of CWA 1298, with Local President Paul Hongo, joined the demonstration and pledged their support for the striking workers.
The SPX workers, who produce aerospace parts for defense helicopters, are a critical part of the defense effort. Currently, the plant is operating with a skeletal crew, with 25 temporary workers hired through a security firm.