A Message from District 9 Director Stan Johnson

We have good news to report.  The solidarity, support and commitment shown that dark and stormy night in the tiny town of Brewton, Alabama by hundreds upon hundreds of you and your fellow USW members has paid off!!!  Our sisters and brothers, kicked to the street after an asset sale with no successorship language by Smurfit Stone, have been rehired, their right to representation recognized and they are well on their way to negotiating a new contract.

Negotiations will resume on March 13^th and it is anticipated they will be able to complete non-economic bargaining and move into economics by the conclusion of these scheduled sessions.  This resulted from the support of all District 9 members and staff, solidarity from fellow paper locals across our Union, especially those within GP and Smurfit Stone, and tremendous efforts by countless others within our Union.  Special thanks to Emory Barnette, USW District 9 Sub-Director, who dedicated himself to this effort and stayed at the side of our sisters and brothers in Brewton throughout this ordeal.

It is due to the strength and persistence of our members in Brewton, Alabama, supported by the tremendous power and solidarity of 850,000 sisters and brothers in the USW, that we celebrate this success.  Imagine the outcome had they been left to fend off this huge corporation, with unlimited resources, by themselves.  It is the very power and strength available through such solidarity that makes me certain our Union and our members can and will prevail against whatever challenges we face and overcome whatever obstacles may come our way.

I am proud to be one among my sisters and brothers in the USW!