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USW members of Local 1822 received praise from USW International President Leo Gerard and others at the recent District Two Conference, held in Green Bay, WI, on March 17th and 18th.
LU 1822 members were instrumental in an organizing campaign at a sister plant in nearby Neenah WI. They were applauded by Gerard and others for their work in “doing the work of the Union” and reaching out to unorganized workers.
LU 1822 members work at PACON Corporation, a paper company that specializes in school supplies and other specialty papers. A number of years ago, the company purchased a non-union company across town and the Local kept an eye on things for organizing opportunities.
In the fall of 2006, the company purchased a product line from an out of state firm and moved the work to Wisconsin. The Local Union decided it was a great opportunity to spread the word about the benefits of union representation. They began to reach out to PACON employees at the non-union plant and encouraged them to consider joining the USW.
The USW and the PACON Company have a long history of working together, whenever they can. The Local Union has been part of the company for close to 60 years. Assisted by USW Staff Representative Dan Vandenbush, the Local successfully pressed the company for a neutrality agreement, to avoid the hostility that is often generated in a traditional organizing campaign.
On March 21st, after a quick election campaign, due to the neutrality agreement agreed to by the Company and the Union, PACON employees finally had their chance to vote. A majority of PACON employees voted YES for the USW and YES for a voice at work.
“This is a great example of how USW locals and our members can help in organizing new members”, said District Two Organizing Coordinator Doug Drake. “The members of USW LU 1822 who assisted in the campaign had instant credibility with their fellow workers at the Neenah plant. Our members were doing similar work and could talk directly about the benefits of union representation. We would not have been successful without their efforts.”
The negotiation process has now begun. Newly organized members are selecting their representatives for the Bargaining Committee. The proud members of USW LU 1822 are looking forward to building the strength of the USW and have pledged their continued support as the newly organized members work to reach their first collective bargaining agreement.
USW Locals and members who have friends, families or neighbors who are interested in joining the USW should contact their Staff Representative or Doug Drake, Organizing Coordinator, at 414-475-4560 or ddrake@usw.org
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ORGANIZING
