United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE), Northeast Region
5 Hill Street, Taunton, MA 02780
(774) 264 0110
office@uenortheast.org
United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE), Northeast Region
UPDATE: Strike settled, 6/23.
May 1, 2003
UE Local 299 members in New Haven, CT are on strike against Entoleter. Entoleter workers make smokestack scrubbers (emmission cleaners) for industry and power generation. The contract expired April 30. The issues are health insurance and wages. The company last offer was 3%, 2%,2% with health insurance costs of 5% of premium first year, 7.5% second year, 10% third year. The second and third year are really bad with the near certainty of a cut in pay after paying for the additional health insurance costs. Members don't agree they should pay open-ended ever increasing premium amounts, which is what a percentage does. The members said they'd agree to pay a negotiated flat dollar amount. Workers want a decent raise after paying for health insurance. When the new owner came in last year - the members gave up the defined benefit ($400,000) and retiree life insurance . They have had NO raises in 2 years.
Donations and letters of support should be sent to:
UE Local 299
2 Linsley St.
North Haven, CT
203-239-4909 phone
