LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Union workers at three companies within the Louisville Metro are on strike for different reasons and plan to continue striking until compromises are met.
Members of 32BJ Service Employees International Union who work at Monument Chemical started protesting Thursday afternoon over safety concerns.
"These are dangerous things we're working with," a union member said, speaking to his colleagues. "Right now while we're out here, we don't want to be out here, but while we're out here there are people in there that have almost no experience."
Union Vice President Sam Williamson said the striking workers are putting attention to their safety concerns at Monument Chemical in Brandenburg of Meade County.
"We don't believe that any increase of efficiency is worth the decrease in safety and the potential costs of human lives," Williamson said.
The union claims the plant is taking employees in highly specialized functioning jobs and making them multitasked workers.
In a statement, Monument Chemical told WHAS11 negotiations are ongoing.
"One of our goals is to be a good partner to our employees, our community, and our customers. This includes our commitment to the collective bargaining process. We have been training our staff for months to prepare for a possible strike. This crew includes experienced managers, engineers, and employees with expertise in roles they have served in previously," a spokesperson said. "We also have the support of specialized contractors for loading/unloading activities who also completed training and certification. The plant is operating safely and will be operating at a limited capacity to continue to meet customer obligations. We look forward to the resolution of these contracts, and we will continue to monitor this situation."
'Not fit for this economy'
Another strike is taking place in south Louisville as the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 830 are picketing BAE Systems.
Members are protesting a renewal contract a majority of the union voted against. They claim pay raises offered were not fit for this economy and want a fair system for paid time off and sick leave.
"We are scheduled to get back to the table with the company Monday morning," Keith McFarland, a business representative for the union, told WHAS11. "And hopefully by midweek, if not sooner, we'll have something for the membership to vote on and hopefully ratify."
The company said despite its efforts, "we were unable to reach an agreement with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 830, and a work stoppage began on August 19."
"We are committed to delivering the capability critical to the U.S. Navy and its allies across the globe," BAE Systems said in a statement.
A strike is also taking place in front of the AT&T corporate office near Bashford Manor.
Members of Communications Workers-America Union Local 3310 said negotiations have been complicated.
"The contract ended Sunday August 4," Union President Diogenes Miller said. "The reason why we are in the place where we are is the people who were in the negotiation were not able to bargain a contract. They basically had to leave the room and get permission. Under the NLRB if you're under a contract negotiation you're supposed to have someone in the room. So when they requested a mediator the last person who was there, they were sent away and a new person was sent in."
In a statement, AT&T said it is committed to reaching a fair agreement with the union.
"We suggested the use of a federal mediator to ensure there is no question about either side's commitment to this process," the company said. "Until a deal is reached, we have business continuity measures in place so that we can continue to provide our customers with the great service they deserve."
The company also said the union's claims of unfair labor practices are false.
All union members WHAS11 spoke to said they are willing to protest until compromises are met.
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