Pensacola, FL, June 6--About 700 Solutia employees will vote next Thursday and next Friday on whether to join the United Steelworkers of America or keep their plant union-free, according to the Pensacola News Journal.
Union supporters say the Gonzalez nylon manufacturing plant's bankruptcy in 2003 has hurt retirees and a union can help protect pensions and future benefits.
Solutia officials dispute that claim. They say the plant has met all obligations to the employees and retirees since bankruptcy was declared. They say a union would hurt the plant in the long run.
Rick Massengill, affiliations coordinator for the steelworkers union, said Solutia employees should look at the conditions under which retirees are suffering and make a change for their own future.
"Just talk to a retiree and they will tell you of the problems they are facing," Massengill said. "Some of these people have been reduced to poverty."
The former employee of Monsanto, which spun off its chemical division as Solutia in 1997, said a union has not been necessary until now.
"They've never had a union at this site," he said. "They had always taken care of their workers so they could remain nonunion."
He worries many employees have a negative concept of unions.
"I fear that some people who don't understand unions think they're violent," he said. "Strikes are not something we use as a tool."
Jack Treece, president of the Association of Solutia Retirees, is concerned about the benefits disabled workers as well as retirees.
"Once those who are currently on disability reach (age) 65, Solutia will cut off medical benefits," he said. "I don't want to see people giving up on their future without having a voice."
Paul J. Berra III, assistant general counsel and director of governmental affairs for Solutia, said if a union is approved, it would not affect retirees or their benefits.
"I don't understand the union's retiree involvement," he said. "There is no logical nexus between the two. The retirees have no dog in this fight."
He said a unionized plant would heighten emotions and add costs.
"Tension is traditionally associated with the union environment," he said.
He said unionized plants can cost 15 percent more to operate, and union dues would cost each employee $50 to $60 every month.
Berra said Solutia officials do not believe a third party should get involved in the plant's operations. They believe new chief executive officer Jeffry Quinn has a strong vision for the future of the company.
"I truly believe employees will support our new management team," he said
Solutia employees are set to vote from noon to 8 p.m. next Thursday and Friday on whether to join the United Steelworkers of America.
