U.S. Virgin Islands Local 340 recently notched its fifth organizing win in three years when seven maintenance and office administration workers at Hertz Rental Car in St. Croix voted unanimously to join the IAM.
They become the first non-government employees from the U.S. Virgin Islands to join the IAM.
“The name of the IAM is getting around here,” said IAM Local 340 President Mervyn Constantine, Jr., who along with Local 340 Vice President Willis Pinney became the first IAM members from the U.S. Virgin Islands to attend classes at the Winpisinger Center. “We’re hoping to use this as a stepping stone.”
Constantine said Hertz employees in St. Croix were concerned about the lack of profit sharing, benefits and seniority at the company. They wanted change immediately – it only took two months for a representation election to take place after Constantine was first contacted by a Hertz employee.
Constantine said he “can’t express enough” how thankful he is for the support of former IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Bob Martinez and Grand Lodge Representatives Dave Porter and Ramon Garcia. Constantine also credits Pinney, the rest of his local officers, and Hertz employees who were instrumental in bringing in the IAM.
Since its chartering in 2011, Local 340 has grown to over 170 members.
“The IAM is looking forward to continuing its growth in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Mark Blondin. “We applaud the extraordinary efforts of GLR Dave Porter and Local 340 officers for their dedication and enthusiasm for the organizing process.”
