Kansas City electrical parts maker puts 194 workers on street for health care

The 194 employees of Milbank Manufacturing Co., have been unlawfully locked out since Sunday, despite an offer by the United Steelworkers (USW) to continue bargaining past the midnight contract expiration.

Janet Kirk, USW Local 13 President said: “We wanted to negotiate, not be locked out.  The proposal by our employer has us all united in rejecting a monthly premium contribution of $620 to maintain our current health insurance family plan. It’s unjust and unreal for this profitable company. The cost to Milbank workers would be equal to nearly 25 percent of our gross earnings.”

Union members are carrying signs saying “Unlawful Lockout” at Milbank Manufacturing’s front gates: 4801 Deramus St., Kansas City. Kirk said the USW stands ready to negotiate and has agreed to join a federal mediator in talks on Monday afternoon and Tuesday.

The USW has taken action by filing an ‘unfair labor practice charge’ with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) last week for refusal to bargain over a mandatory subject of attendance policy. A second labor charge was filed Monday for the unlawful lockout, plus a separate charge for surface bargaining ... more