USW Files Charges Against Appleton Paper


Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, 21 April 2008 -- /PRNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that the union has filed charges against Appleton Paper for unilaterally and illegally changing the terms and conditions of employment of about 370 hourly production and maintenance workers who are represented by USW Local 10-0422 at Appleton's Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania, mill.

The union said that its unfair labor practice allegations, which were filed with Region 6 of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on 18 April 2008, also include charges of refusing to bargain and breaking the previous contract, which had been extended while negotiations over a new one proceeded.

Jon Geenen, USW vice president, said the union's willingness to meet with the company in a good faith effort to resolve the deteriorating relationship between the USW and Appleton at Roaring Spring.

The members of USW Local 10-0422 have rejected the company's last two contract offers by votes of 350-1 and most recently 344-1. Appleton management has refused to meet with the union's negotiating committee since 10 April and no new meetings are scheduled.

The USW represents more than 850,000 workers in a wide array of industries throughout the United States and Canada, including approximately 1500 hourly production and maintenance employees at Appleton Paper facilities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Kansas.

Source: United Steelworkers (USW)

Web Site: http://www.steelworkers-usw.org/