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BAILEYVILLE, Maine, Oct. 13, 2023 –Approximately 22 Machinists Union members from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1490 (District 4), along with 20 Millwrights and 38 oilers and steam and water plant operators from Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 330-3 and Millwrights Local 1121, will commence a strike at a northern Maine wood pulp facility. IAM members will strike starting on Saturday, October 14 at 12:01 a.m. ET. SEIU Local 330-3 will strike starting on Sunday, October 15 at 12:01 a.m. ET and the Millwrights will go out the week of October 20. This group of dedicated workers at a prominent northern Maine wood pulp facility is taking a stand for their job security.
The unions are seeking a fair contract that also safeguards their core trades. The solidarity displayed sends a powerful message as they voice their concerns over the company’s proposal that threatens their job security by introducing a new job classification, aiming to replace millwright, pipefitter, machinists, and auto mechanic positions.
Members of IAM District 4, SEIU Local 330-3, and Millwrights Local 1121 have voted overwhelmingly in favor of this strike action, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to protect their jobs and their community, which relies on the stability provided by strong union jobs at Woodland Pulp.
“No one ever wants to strike, but our members are proud of their work, and they will stand strong against this blatant attempt to eliminate jobs and job classifications here in Baileyville,” said IAM District 4 Business Representative Danny Loudermilk. “This company is trying to create workers who are jack of all trades and master of none by proposing to classify workers under the same general category. Our membership and union allies will do whatever it takes to protect their jobs, job classifications, and a community that relies on good union jobs at Woodland Pulp.”
The IAM has filed additional Unfair Labor Practice Charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Woodland Pulp for continued bad faith bargaining, in addition to the ones already filed against the company for their refusals to bargain in good faith. Also, Woodland management waited until negotiations were underway to reveal its concessionary job classification proposal, then refused to provide satisfactory financial information.
“The IAM is providing every resource necessary to obtain a fair contract for our dedicated membership at Woodland Pulp,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “IAM members and our union colleagues remain determined to pursue a fair contract that secures their job security and the community’s future.”
The strike will commence on Saturday, October 14, at 12:01 a.m. ET unless a significant change occurs in the company’s proposal.
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