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Members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 37 hold an “informational” picket at a Havre de Grace quarry. Union members allege Arundel Sand and Gravel Quarry of violating federal labor laws.
Harford County (Map, News) - Members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 37, an AFL-CIO affiliate union, working at the Arundel Sand and Gravel Quarry in Havre de Grace have set up an “informational” picket line at the quarry’s Route 155 entrance.
Though the union members at Arundel Sand have not walked off the job, they are using personal time to protest the unfair practices they are alleging against Arundel Sand and Gravel — a subsidiary of Florida Rock Industries. Many of the union members said they will walk the picket line for about seven hours, in addition to their regular workday.
“Ultimately, we think they are trying to remove this union,” said Mark McQuay, a spokesman for Local 37.
McQuay, along with as many as 20 union members, picketed the entrance of Arundel Sand on Wednesday afternoon. McQuay said the picket line was established the day before.
“We’re alleging the company is violating federal labor laws,” McQuay said, adding that Arundel Sand has claimed it cannot meet the union’s new contract demands due to rising costs.
McQuay said the union has filed to see proof of these rising costs, but Arundel Sand and Gravel has yet to satisfy that request, thus making the picket a protest for the release of information.
“Some of these guys have been here for 20 to 25 years. They’re members of the community, and coaches of Little League teams. We just want to be treated fairly,” McQuay said.
Kelly Henry, a spokeswoman for Arundel Sand and Gravel, dismissed claims that the company was looking to get rid of the union.
“Arundel can not decertify a union, only the employees can,” Henry said.
She said Arundel Sand has been in negotiations with the union since February, and though there is an obvious dispute over the contract, the quarry's leadership is committed to work with the union and other employees.
“Our overriding commitment is to treat our employees fairly and we're working to do that,” Henry said.
McQuay said the union was scheduled to meet with Arundel Sand’s leadership Friday to continue talks on the union’s new contract.
mplum@baltimoreexaminer.com
Comments from Examiner Readers
2:13 PM MST on Thu., May. 10, 2007 re: "County workers union rejects pension changes"
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5:24 AM MST on Wed., May. 9, 2007
re: "County workers union rejects pension changes"
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6:36 AM MST on Fri., May. 4, 2007
re: "Union rejects health care offer"
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Examiner Reader said:
I am not sure where Ms. Malarkey is getting her information from, There is no "Law requiring governments to prefund retirement benefits." There is however GASB which is an accounting standard that has governments accounting for and paying for other post employment benefits, ie. health care, so they will be able to maintain their AAA bond ratings. Within GASB there is no mention of pensions. I sure do wish that reporters would verify their facts prior to printing such information. It should also be noted that this article depicts the union memebers in a positive light, which is good, but recent artcles about the BCFPE appeared to show the union as the "BAD GUYS". Thank you Ms. Malarkey for your true and honest information. Not.
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Examiner Reader said:
finaly, a union that has sence to protect their members rather than line the pockets of a few. Thank You ASCME How many of the members of the other Unions voted to ratify because they were strong armed . Every employee out there should be writing to their Councilman right now and letting them know how this retirement proposal affects their family .and demand that the portion affecting prior and existing employees be removed..not approved, whether you voted to ratify or not.
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Examiner Reader said:
I am a little confused by Johnny Olzewski's comment --- The future action hings on the FPE vote? There are 6 unions in Baltimore County, why does the future of all employees depend on this one vote? The contract was ratified by a vote of 152 to 146! Since the majority of the members (corrections and 911) were given a two step upgrade, those numbers say a lot. 146 people were willing to give up the upgrades to protect their benefits. And what about the other 1300 employees represented by this union, many who are on the low end of the pay scale and can not afford to join for the right to vote. These changes affect them also. Remember councilman, you are in an elected position. These are not just employees, they are tax payers!
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