SEIU Monument Chemical workers in Brandenburg Ky go on strike at midnight tonight
In addition to IBEW and UA workers on strike at Monument Chemical, 120 SEIU members who run the plant operations will walk out at 12:01 am Thursday morning. All of this comes after we have had our brothers and sisters of CWA and Machinists go out earlier this week. In addition to all of the solidarity you have shown recently, please reach out to our strong sister Alexis Hardesty to find out what their needs are.
In solidarity,
Dustin
Media Advisory: Tonight, August 22nd at 12:01 AM, Picket Line for Striking Monument Chemical Workers @ 2450 Olin Road, Brandenburg, KY
Contact: Ana Tinsly, amtinsly@seiu32bj.org, 646-331-4765
Eddie Kadhim, ekadhim@seiu32bj.org, 267-303-2707
Alexis Hardesty, ahardesty@seiu32bj.org, 803-422-1790
Monument Chemical Workers Announce Unfair Labor Practice Strike; Say Company’s Proposals Could Be Hazardous to Public
Company that produces chemicals for Coca Cola, Fuji, Tempurpedic wants to replace skilled workers who are trained to handle explosive chemicals with less experienced staff
Chemical workers will walk off the job at midnightafter failing to reach a new contract agreement, over alleged unfair labor practices
WHAT: 120 Monument Chemical workers, represented by 32BJ SEIU, on STRIKE.
WHEN: Picket lines will begin tonight, August 22nd@12:01am. Tomorrow picket lines at 7:00am and 11:00am.
WHERE: Monument Chemical, 2450 Olin Road, Brandenburg, KY
[Brandenburg, KY] – Almost 120 Monument Chemical workers who produce chemicals for Coca Cola, Fuji, Tempurpedic, and others will walk off the job tonight at midnight over alleged unfair labor practices after failing to reach an agreement for a new contract.
The workers, who are members of 32BJ SEIU, are protesting alleged unfair labor practices during contract negotiations, includingfailing to bargain in good faith by directly negotiating with workers, as well as informing workers that they would be kept out of work if they vote to strike. Workers are also protesting employer proposals to eliminate Shipper positions, who are specifically trained to handle hazardous and explosive chemicals—such as carbide and ethylene oxide—potentially replacing them with inexperienced staff. In addition, workers warn the company’s proposal to create lower-paid tiers for new staff could make it difficult to hire and retain experienced workers.
“Our jobs are critical to the safe operation of this chemical plant,” says Rafael Diaz, a Monument Chemical shipper whose job would be impacted by the company’s proposal. “The company wants less experienced people to handle very toxic, flammable, and dangerous materials. What scares me about that is that this place is, basically, a bomb. The safety of the plant and the community needs to be number one. Almost all of Brandenburg would be gone if there was an explosion. It could change the way the whole Ohio River flows. This is serious. We don’t want to go on strike, but we need a fair contract that ensures our safety, respects our expertise, and gets us back home to our families after every shift."
The striking workers are vital to the safe and efficient operation of the plant and include Plant Operators, Polychem Specialists, Shippers, Lab Technicians, Wastewater Treatment workers, and others. They handle dangerous chemicals, maintain the boiler system, and manage wastewater, among other duties, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards.
This strike is particularly concerning given the plant site's history. In 1962, the facility was the scene of a tragic chemical accident, under a previous owner, that killed one worker. The incident underscores the importance of having experienced, well-trained workers who understand the complexities and dangers of handling hazardous materials.
"Monument Chemical’s alleged unfair labor practices and refusal to negotiate a fair contract that recognizes the critical and dangerous work our members do is unacceptable," said Robert Smith, Kentucky State Director of 32BJ SEIU. "These workers deserve respect and fair treatment, not the undermining of their union or the threat of being replaced by less qualified staff. The safety of our workers and the community is on the line."
Monument Chemical is a large manufacturer of oxides, solvents, fuels, and other industrial materials, with six facilities in the US and Europe. They are jointly owned by the Grube family and Heritage Group, a venture capital firm that owns over 50 companies. Last year alone, Monument had over $350 million pledged to it in growth capital.
This is the second group of unionized workers to strike Monument in the past two months. In July, workers represented by UA Local 502 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Service Technicians, along with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 369, went on strike after failing to reach an agreement. The 32BJ SEIU members are the last remaining unionized staff at the plant.
The strike will continue until Monument Chemical remedies the alleged unfair labor practices and agrees to negotiate a contract that ensures fair wages, job security, and safe working conditions for all its employees.
###
With more than 175,000 members in 12 states and Washington DC, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.