Griffin Pipe employee lockout continues

[Omaha Steve]

Omaha Steve will be joining the picket line Sunday. It is just across the river (border) from me.

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19254858&BRD=2703&PAG=461&dept_id=555106&rfi=6

Sunshine Dalton, Staff writer
02/01/2008

Morale remains high among United Steelworkers Local 3141 Union members as the Griffin Pipe lockout continues into day five.

Around 270 employees have not been allowed to work since just before midnight on Sunday, Jan. 27. Protesters have been wielding signs at the gates of the plant ever since.

Ron Bland, manager of human resources, previously said the lockout was prompted by failed contract negotiations. The agreement expired in November 2007 and new terms would be good for three years.


Staff photo/Josh White - Randy Schmitt stirs a pot of chili prepared for members of the United Steelworkers Local 3141 while they picket outside of Griffin Pipe. In addition to the generous donation of food and other supplies by local businesses and unions, Schmitt provided his trailer to keep the picketers warm while they took a break.


"We still haven't heard anything from the company," said Local 3141 President Scott Puteney.

Puteney has been meeting with an international representative for United Steelworkers over the last two days to decide how to proceed.

"Our position kind of remains the same," Puteney said. "We believe the company's position remains the same, but we don't know because we haven't been able to speak with them."

The union has around 20 people posted at Griffin Pipe, 2601 Ninth Ave., at all hours and in all weather. They plan on picketing indefinitely.

FULL story and more photos at link.