Paperworkers Strike Over Kapstone's Unlawful Conduct
Workers Plan Orderly Shutdown of Longview Facility
LONGVIEW, Wash., Aug. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AWPPW 153 Local members have gone on strike early this morning over unfair labor practices (ULP) at Kapstone Paper & Packaging in Longview, Washington.
Local 153 members have overwhelmingly authorized a strike in response to the Company's pattern of violating federal labor laws. "The Company has shown a callous disregard for the law by failing to provide to the Union information which is critical to the bargaining process," said AWPPW bargaining spokesperson John Minor.
The Company continued its pattern of violating the law by illegally outsourcing bargaining unit work to outside contractors. In addition, the Company has refused to negotiate 194 different rules and policies that apply to Local 153's members.
Furthermore, the Company unlawfully imposed its "last offer" by declaring impasse before the parties had concluded negotiations.
The Union has filed numerous Unfair Labor Practice charges against Kapstone in response to this unlawful activity. The National Labor Relations Board regional office already found merit in several charges and has issued a complaint against the Company. Other charges remain under investigation.
This pattern of unlawful conduct has also impacted issues of worker safety. The Local 153 safety committee has repeatedly raised several serious safety issues, which Kapstone has refused to address and continues to ignore.
AWPPW President Kurt Gallow states "AWPPW Local 153 members have spoken out, loud and clear" continuing, "Kapstone's continued illegal activity is unacceptable, the Company cannot continue to break the law. The Union membership is striking over the Company's unlawful conduct."
As the Union has previously communicated to the Company, AWPPW Local 153 members will ensure an orderly shutdown and promptly exit the plant site.
For further information contact AWPPW Vice President Greg Pallesen
503-228-7486
[email protected]
SOURCE AWPPW
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