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Neutrality assists Collins & Aikman employees

Nearly 300 production and maintenance workers at Collins & Aikman in Springfield, Tennessee have opted to join forces with the United Steelworkers.

Workers there produce carpet and acoustic products for the automotive industry.

They were organized through a neutrality agreement with the company that allows the USW to conduct a majority card check campaign. An independent arbitrator verified results of the card check on Jan. 23, allowing the workers to become the newest members of the USW ‘s District 9.

Two key issues prompted the workers to bring the USW on board.

First, a wage disparity existed between the Springfield workers and those at other USW-represented facilities that produce similar products.

Also, non-union workers at Collins & Aikman were saddled with increased health insurance premiums that Steelworkers at sister facilities did not have to pay.

Workers will soon begin negotiating their first contract without the threat of a strike. Their neutrality language includes binding arbitration on a first contract.

For more information, contact the USW at (877) 511-8792

For an Organizing Contact Request Form, click HERE