Support Locked Out Meredosia Boilermakers Local 484

http://www.lockout484.org/story.html


Celanese Lockout
Fact Sheet

<http://www.lockout484.org/Celanese_Lockout_Fact_Sheet.pdf>

The Company

In late 2004, Celanese <http://www.celanese.com> purchased the National
Starch and Chemical plant in Meredosia Illinois. Celanese is an
extremely profitable transnational corporation with billions of dollars
in sales. It’s profit in the 2nd quarter of 2005 for instance rose 1000%
over last year. It’s CEO made $15 million last year. It is connected to
the Blackstone group <http://www.blackstone.com>. Celanese claims a
major commitment to social responsibility and ethics.

Meredosia Plant


The Meredosia plant employs approximately 150 workers who are
represented by the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, AFL-CIO,
Local 484. Most of them have over 10 years experience in the plant.
Meredosia <http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=Meredosia,%2BIL> is
about an hour’s drive west of Springfield Illinois.

Unwillingness to bargain, lockout


In early 2005, Celanese entered into collective bargaining negotiations
with the union. During contract negotiations, the union offered
significant concessions to the company in order to reach agreement. Each
concession offered by the union was met with new demands from the company.

Celanese “final offer” requires workers and retirees absorb significant
health care benefit and pay cuts. It also requires the elimination of no
fewer than forty jobs. The membership asked for more information.

On June 5, 2005 union workers were locked out of the Celanese plant in
Meredosia, Illinois.

Subsequently, Celanese has hired scabs to replace the locked out
workers. Initially they brought workers from the south in vanloads.
Gradually they have brought in more strikebreakers from temporary
agencies. Local 484 members are concerned that untrained workers will
jeopardize their lives and the safety and welfare of their community as
well as their jobs.


The players behind the scenes


The law firm that is representing Celanese is that of LeClair Ryan, a
Virginia-based union-busting law firm. The direct attorney, Clinton S.
Morse, according to their web site, “is considered one of this region’s
key outside counsel for union-free management issues including union
avoidance strategies.” He is president of the Rotary Club
<http://www.rotary.org> of Salem Virginia.
.
The company has also resorted to intimidation and harassment to
humiliate workers and break the union. Celanese has hired Special
Response Corporation <http://www.specialresponse.com/>, a Maryland
company, to provide “security” during the lockout. In addition to
monitoring the picket line, Special Response Corporation agents
routinely monitor and videotape union members and their families
throughout Meredosia, even in their own back yards.

Special Response Corporation claims to be a modern method for labor
disputes, but in fact, they bear a striking resemblance to the old labor
thug agencies of the past. Those older agencies’ goal was to provoke
violence so that law enforcement would restrict locked out and striking
workers’ access to effectively protest. SRC has been involved in well
over 1000 labor disputes in the 1990s, and has earned their reputation
by their willingness to use blackjacks and other modern methods of
provocation. Their CEO in his own writing hints that provocations to
violence will produce injunctions so that the company can bring scabs
without interference. Lately, this firm has been given jobs by the U.S.
government for Homeland Security, thus enabling them to have high levels
of security information. The same company that advertises that
businesses should use them when downsizing in a global economy
<http://resources.co.ba.md.us/Documents/Police/2005_Business_Beat/pd_BB_805ALL.pdf>is
getting taxpayer dollars!


The Injunction

Celanese secured an injunction which severely curtails the union’s
ability to run its picket line or host other public demonstrations.
Historically, workers have achieved gains only with mass action and
effective picket lines which affect the willingness of other workers to
cross the line. Business wins when workers’ speech becomes ineffective
and when mass appeal on the picket line is restricted. Special
Response’s role it to hope that it will capture some violations on the
picket line so that the company can secure a more effective injunction.


The public police forces backing the company


The Morgan County Sheriff has also provided additional police support to
the company for $70 an hour. Workers have been told the function of
these officers
is solely to police their activities at and near the picket line. Just
as in the days before unions, it is the cooperation of the SRC with the
law that makes the injunction effective.


How you can help <http://www.lockout484.org/help.html>

*

Donate to the workers so they can sustain their struggle
Boilermakers Local 484 Solidarity/Defense Fund P.O. Box 258/ 300
Main St. Meredosia, IL 62665. There is also an on-line order form
available from http://www.lockout484.org
*

Spread the word about their struggle by linking your group to the
http://www.lockout484.org <http://www.lockout484.org%20> web site
*

Get a copy of the video “Lockout 484” and show it to your
organization’s meeting, and asking your organization to show
support with a donation or other support.
*

Celanese has a corporate ethical hotline. Call them and ask them
to bargain with us, and tell them that greed is unethical.
*

For callers in North America, the telephone number is
1-866-ETHICCE (1-866-384-4223). You will get a live person and you
should be prepared to tell them about some specifics of what you
know about the lockout and what Celanese is doing with SRC etc.
Callers from outside North America must first dial a
country-specific AT&T Direct Access Number before dialing
866-ETHICCE (866-384-4223). Go to
http://www.business.att.com/bt/access.jsp?c=a to locate these
access numbers
*
Contact the lawyer who is driving this union-busting activity:
Clinton Morse: His e-mail address is clinton.morse [at] leclairryan.com
<mailto:clinton.morse [at] leclairryan.com> His phone # is: (540)
510-3023 His Fax number is Fax: (540) 510-3050.


If you are a Rotary Club member, complain to the Rotary Club
of Salem Virginia, of which he is a member-- Call (540)
389-3535. Rotary Clubs promise to promote “High ethical
standards in business and professions, the recognition of the
worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of
each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society”
and “The application of the ideal of service in each
Rotarian's personal, business, and community life.”

*
Tell Martin B. Herman of SRC what you think of him
martinherman [at] specialresponse.com
<mailto:martinherman [at] specialresponse.com>
Yes, you can actually reach him directly at these numbers: (410)
785-1212, ext. 105 or 1-410-785-9025. You can also fax him @
1-410-785-9025. They have a toll-free number (888) 717-8243.
*

Call your Congressman and tell him or her to take SRC, Vance
Security and other union-busting security firms off the government
Homeland Security dole. Tell them this is a threat to our liberty.
Tell them that giving these firms access to Homeland Security
apparatus is a deep threat to our freedoms.



How you can help the workers and their families <help.html>





Click on map to see the town

In February 2005 Celanese, a major transnational corporation, bought a
chemical plant in the small town of Meredosia, IL. Celanese demanded up
to a 33% cut in pay and a reduction of health care benefits. When the
workers asked for an extension and more information, the corporation
locked them out and replaced them with unskilled workers.


<http://www.lockout484.org/celanese.html>
To learn more about Celanese... <http://www.lockout484.org/celanese.html>

The union has negotiated in good faith and the workers are willing to
return to work. Instead, they face harrassment both at the picket line
and in their own neighborhoods.


View Video Clips <http://www.lockout484.org/movies.html>


How you can help the workers and their families
<http://www.lockout484.org/help.html>

Lockout Line

Cross this line and go to jail!

Workers and community residents are concerned that a potentially
hazardous chemical plant is being staffed by unskilled, untrained employees.

More on Celanese's private army... <http://www.lockout484.org/src.html>


How you can help


To learn more


Support 484

<http://www.lockout484.org/movies.html>
To contact local 484
<http://www.boilermakers484.org/?zone=/unionactive/contact.cfm>

* To donate in person or by mail, please visit or send donations to:

Boilermakers Local 484 Solidarity/Defense Fund
P.O. Box 258/300 Main St.
Meredosia, IL 62665

Or to donate with a secure on-line form
<https://secure.unasecure.net/activedonation/index.cfm?siteID=boilermakers484>


* Spread the word about the workers' struggle by linking your group
to this website <http://www.lockout484.org>

* Get a copy to the "Lockout 484" video and show at your
organization's meeting. Ask your organization to show support with
a donation or other action. Contact Local 484 for a copy.
<http://www.boilermakers484.org/?zone=/unionactive/contact.cfm>

* Contact Celanese's corporate ethical hotline. Ask them to bargain
with the workers. Remind them that their greed is unethical.

Printable version with information on how to call the Celanese
Ethics Hotline Leaflet <http://www.lockout484.org/ethics.pdf>

For callers in North America, the number is 1-866-ETHICCE
(1-866-384-4223). You will get a live person so have your
comments ready with specifics about the lockout and SRC.

For callers outside North America, dial the country specific
AT & T Direct Access Number before dialing 1-866-ETHICCE
(1-866-384-4223). These numbers can be found at
http://www.business.att.com/

* Contact Clinton Morse, the lawyer who is driving this
union-busting activity. His email address is
clinton.morse [at] leclairryan.com <mailto:clinton.morse [at] leclairryan.com>

* For more on what you can do, see the fact sheet
<http://www.lockout484.org/fact_sheet.html> on the issues

Who is Celanese? <http://www.lockout484.org/celanese.html>

Who is SRC? <http://www.lockout484.org/src.html>

Fact Sheet on the issues <http://www.lockout484.org/fact_sheet.html>

The tactical use of goon squads <http://www.lockout484.org/goons.html>

View Video Clips <http://www.lockout484.org/movies.html>

You must have Quicktime to view.

It can be downloaded for free at
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/
<mailto:fanniesellins [at] yahoo.com>



<mailto:fanniesellins [at] yahoo.com>




To Contact the Webmaster <mailto:fanniesellins [at] yahoo.com>


Anne Feeney will perform October 9 at 5 pm.

Solidarity Camp near
the picket line at Meredosia

The event is organized by the members of Local 484. Let
us know if you intend to come. Email tjeea [at] bluffsnet.com
<mailto:tjeea [at] bluffsnet.com%20>

Anne will perform her new song, "Goonies" for the SRC goons. Come
prepared to testify and show your support!


<mailto:fanniesellins [at] yahoo.com>A Labor Day rally
<http://www.lockout484.org/rally.html> was held on Monday September 5th.
Speakers included Margaret Blackshere, Pres, Illinois AFL-CIO.

HE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS ON THE PICKET LINE by Anthony J. Surratt

Posted On: Dec 24, 2005 (15:30:12) Printer Friendly Version
<http://www.boilermakers484.org/print_article.cfm?homeID=29778>


“THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS ON THE PICKET LINE”

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the plant This
Christmas I am no longer a little boy,

Jobs have been stolen, and picketers rant. Sitting and waiting for toys.

Union jobs have been taken by SCABS without care, I seek reason for all
the lies,

Destroying the town and polluting the air. Celanese, give me an answer why!

The Company employees are calm in their beds, All I want this Christmas
season,

While thoughts of money, greed, and corruption dance in their heads Is
for Celanese to give me a reason

National Starch stands to Celanese side, Why my dad, a hard working
Union man,

Too scared to stand up for what is right. Can be tossed aside for making
a stand.

June 5th 2005 marked the beginning of endless nights, Now, James! Now
Kelly! Now, Randy and Brad!

Men and Women of “484” have started their fight. Keep your head up and
don’t be sad

Although over six months have already passed, For the company may lock
their doors,

The Boilermakers continue to last. But good Union workers they have no more.

All wrapped up in their winter gear, The day will come when you are back
to work,

I see a glimpse of Christmas cheer. And Celanese will still be
remembered as the arrogant jerk.

They talk of Christmas day and what’s in store, You’ll have lasted the
long ride,

For pain and suffering they want no more. Standing together with UNION
PRIDE.

Christmas day is a time of happiness, This Christmas Day hold your head
high,

One day out of the year to forget the crappiness. Enjoy the friends and
families at your side.

Soon children around Meredosia will play, Stick together my Union friends.

Bringing joy and celebration to a dreary Christmas Day. I will support
you till the end.

Anthony J. Surratt “2005”

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Action Center:
Donate to the Solidarity Defense Fund
<https://secure.unasecure.net/activedonation/index.cfm?siteID=boilermakers484>
The Solidarity/Defense Fund was set up to help the families locked out
of their jobs by Celanese Emulsions.

Important Links:
Intl. Boilermakers <http://www.boilermakers.org>
Make a Donation to IBB L-484 Solidarity Defense Fund Online
<http://https://secure.unasecure.net/activedonation/index.cfm?siteID=boilermakers484>

National AFL-CIO <http://www.afl-cio.org>
Illinois State Government <http://www.Illinois.gov>
National Labor Relations Board <http://www.nlrb.gov>
Fidelity Investments <http://www.401k.com>
Labor Hour <http://www.radio4all.net/proginfo.php?id=14172>

Visit Unions-America.com! <http://www.unions-america.com>

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