STRIKE ENDS: New Union Contract Reached For Approximately 120 Monument Chemical Workers
32BJ SEIU Members ratified a contract that ensures better wages, job security, and safe working conditions
(Brandenburg, KY) - On Friday, 32BJ SEIU and representatives with Monument Chemical reached an agreement for a new contract. A weeklong strike of 120 Monument Chemical Workers ended this morning, after reaching a historic deal that protects workers’ jobs and safe working conditions while also raising their wages.
The three year contract includes:
- Historic wage increases of 9% over the course of the contract.
- Protection against workforce changes that would pull skilled workers from their primary functions.
- Protection of seniority benefits at the plant including workers’ schedules.
- Mediated labor management meetings so that workers can provide direct input on their working conditions.
- An increase in eligible holiday pay from 8 hours to 12 hours.
“I’m glad to see the members get back to work and get a fair contract, but we wish it didn’t have to get to this point,” said Kevin Duke, a Monument Chemical Shipper. “This deal means that the shifts and wage increases that many of us have worked decades to earn will remain intact.”
“Getting a fair deal done for our members was crucial to this community because they are such an enormous part of Meade County,” said Robert Smith, Kentucky State Director of 32BJ SEIU. "This agreement ensures that experienced workers will continue to handle these potentially dangerous chemicals, ensuring the plant's safety. They are happy to get back to work with a contract that reflects the importance and excellence of what they do."
“We are thankful to everyone who honked, brought food, and supported us throughout this difficult week,” said Larry Houglan, a Monument Chemical Operator. “We were able to negotiate something that was beneficial for both sides. This deal will help the company with retention and morale around the plant. When you have long time employees it shows it is somewhere worth working and growing at.”
The 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 - such as carbide and ethylene oxide - maintain the boiler system, and manage wastewater, among other duties, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards. The workers will return to their duties Saturday.
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With more than 175,000 members in 12 states and Washington DC, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.