BRANDENBURG, Ky. — Union workers at a chemical plant in Meade County plan to go on strike this week, urging fair contract negotiations.
The strike at Monument Chemical is expected to begin on Wednesday, union leaders said.
UA Local 502 Plumbers, Pipefitters and Service Technicians and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 369 said the strike is focused on securing higher wages and protecting workers from subcontracting.
“The practice of subcontracting undermines job security and fair compensation,” officials said in a statement. “Subcontracted workers are being used to erode our local unionized workforce in Brandenburg.”
Among the unions’ concerns are the rising cost of healthcare and cost of living. The unions said it offered their employer an affordable healthcare plan, but it was rejected.
“Many [employees] are struggling to afford necessary medical care and insurance,” the unions said. “This is not just about higher pay; it’s about ensuring our members can afford healthcare and maintain job security.”
In a statement, Monument Chemical Site Leader Wendell Borges said negotiations between the unions and the company have been at an impasse.
“At Monument Chemical, 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,” Borges said. “The plant is operating at full capacity, and we are meeting customer obligations. We look forward to the resolution of these contracts, and we will continue to monitor this situation.”
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