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The first on-the-ground joint action between the United Steelworkers and the labor union from United Kingdom and Ireland called “Unite the Union” occurred in Henderson, Nev. on Jan. 24, in support of some 400 members of Local 4856 employed at TIMET, whose contract expires on January 31.

As some 200 Henderson workers marched from the roadway about a quarter of a mile to the plant gate, they were led by District 12 Director Terry Bonds, their Local union leadership, union leadership from the TIMET plant in Toronto, Ohio, and union officers from Unite the Union representing TIMET workers in England and Wales. 

The union members carried a 4 ft. X 8 ft. banner with the slogan, “Solidarity at TIMET,” and a flag from Unite the Union as well as personal signs with messages to the company demanding a fair contract.

Meanwhile, at the negotiating table, the union has presented the company with a joint proposal from Henderson and Toronto, demanding a common expiration date, strong contract language to restrict contracting out, a defined benefit pensions for all bargaining unit employees, and strong successorship language protecting their jobs in the event the company or a plant is sold.

Proposed wage increases, pension formulas, and preserving affordable health care are issues that will be handled at each location.

Dave Gibbs, a National Officer from Unite the Union attending the rally, issued a statement of solidarity pledging support from union members employed at TIMET in the United Kingdom.

Rick Tabor, president of Local 4856 said, “We’ve never had this kind of solidarity before.  Our members are elated by the support we have from workers in Toronto, and we’re impressed that union officials traveled more than 5,000 miles from the United Kingdom to be here in support of us getting a better contract.”

Leaders of the three unions met afterward and signed a Solidarity statement committed to “fight for the mutual defense and advancement of all TIMET workers,” and pledging to increase our unions’ joint efforts to achieving justice for all workers at TIMET.”

The contract covering 430 members of Local 5644 in Toronto expires on June 30. Labor agreements covering TIMET Unite the Union members in England and Wales expire in April of this year and April 2009.

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