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.
14 thoughts on “Over 200 workers at Centerville, Iowa packaging plant vote to unionize”
Corprate GREED is what is Killing this countrys middle class. Just because you are to scared to stand up to these companies doesnt mean everyone shoud Been a Union member 14 years & worked non-union jobs for 18 yrs. A union gets you fair treatment DOES NOT save the lazy or worthless peoples Job Know what your talking about before spouting off Sterotypical Fears that arent true Tom USW 8581
I work at the centerville plant. The vote was 112 yes to 95 no.. I don’t want this bullshit in here.. like the first comment is true. The people who want this bullshit is lazy.
Lack of dignity and respect? Change in work rules? My ass! You get what you deserve! Your feelings were hurt because management didn’t kiss your ass! Maybe get off your ass and work for what your getting paid for! Unions are worthless. Hope this place closes down and you’ll be out of a job! Good riddance welfare state workers!
We need you to come in 2 hours early on weekdays, 8 hours Saturday and 6 hours Sunday – Until further notice. Also you can not schedule vacation days on Fridays or Mondays.
Sounds good yes?
If you don’t like it feel free to quit and get a job somewhere else. I hear the new restaurant needs dishwashers.
Now get back to work.
YEP!!! Only 2 options. Punch out and go home for good, or stay here and work!!! Aint that hard of a choice to make.
Yes. You keep working – I have to make several out of state trips to various conferences and meetings.
Yes, they do happen to be held at golf courses and resorts – What of it?
Very angry must of been a bad employee who the union didn’t save or a management person who got outsmarted by the union either way what does this story have to do with state workers.
Employees have every right to be treated fairly in both working conditions and pay. No Union has ever closed a plant its management and corporate greed that do this. Great job to these employees for having the courage to stand together for the common good. Many people don’t have the guts to do it.
No angry here..very happy after we voted the union out. Company gave us MORE vacation, MORE sick days, started a 401/match and gave us a pension. Never had that in my 20 years as a union member. OH, and the BIG raise we get every year! Shut down the unions!!! WORTHLESS!!!
They will shut the plant down and move it before they will ever give in to the union demands. They just lost their jobs. The same will happen with Curry’s if they ever vote for a union. They were going to shut it down a year ago and didn’t. This will be the straw that breaks their backs. Stupid people wanting more than they earn.
The Bemis plant in Des Moines is unionized, and still open – learn to read before you spaz out.
Why don’t you ask Holcim workers. Or maybe Deckers Workers. How about Brickyard Workers or the hundreds of other plants that have shut down because of unreasonable demands. The rule is a plant organized by UAW will shut the doors withing 7 years. Why don’t you pay attention before you shoot off your mouth.
Curries employees and “bosses” could stand to watch this video.
CONGRATULATIONS GOOD LUCK UNION YES