Merrill Manufacturing continued its practice of stonewalling negotiations and prolonging a strike that began on March 24, 2010 by members of Local 2362 in Merrill, WI. The IAM indicated through a federal mediator that it was willing to modify some of its positions to reach a settlement. During a meeting between Merrill and the IAM, Merrill, as it has throughout the strike, refused to modify any of its outrageous proposals.
After the meeting, Local 2362 members voted overwhelmingly to continue the strike and their fight for a fair settlement. “Our members have shown great courage and determination against an employer who is determined to break their spirit,” said District W3 Business Representative Brian Jarvensivu. “At every turn, the company has refused to consider reasonable alternatives to their unfair demands. We are ready to negotiate a fair settlement, but is Merrill Manufacturing?”
The IAM has filed unfair labor practice charges, claiming that while the IAM and Merrill were in the final stages of negotiations in March 2010, Merrill demanded additional changes, didn’t respond to a subsequent IAM proposal and then imposed the company’s final offer on employees, which precipitated the strike.
To take action to help Local 2362 members, click here to send a letter to Merrill Manufacturing to demand they bargain fairly.
