CENTERVILLE, IA – Over 200 workers employed at the Bemis packaging facility in Centerville, Iowa have voted to be represented by an union after alleged mis-treatment at the hands of their employer.
The Graphic Communications Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters will now represent the workers after they voted 112-95 to approve of unionization. Only after a contract is finalized would workers have to pay dues, which would amount to 2 hours of pay per month.
NIT is told the next step in the process is for the election results to be certified by the NLRB, election and training for union stewards, forming committees and then negotiation of a contract with Bemis.
Previously, Union representatives were contacted by a group of workers at the Bemis packaging plant in Centerville, Iowa, early in February, 2016. They were frustrated with their disparate treatment by local management, the constant changes in work rules, and the lack of dignity and respect shown to them in their workplace.
The group was aware of the Bemis plant in Des Moines, with its employees being represented by GCC/IBT Local 727-S, since 1967, and were aware of the differences in their treatment through having a voice and legal rights to negotiate with the employer.
Through forming an active in-plant organizing committee comprised of the production workers in the facility, a recognition petition was filed with the National Labor Relations Board, resulting in an election with voting times May 5th and 6th.
This election outcome will allow the employees at Bemis in Centerville to have a voice in their workplace and the legal right to negotiate to improve their wages, benefits and working conditions.
