Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 2, 1991 TAG: 9104020241
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER/ NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
One reason might be that the union is providing $100 a week to the strikers and picking up medical benefit coverage.
But Local 2069 President Joe Parah said it is simply a matter of union solidarity, and that strikers are sticking together now as they have since the strike began March 8.
"I'd say more so, buddy," he added.
The scene outside the main plant entrance Monday morning seemed to support his claim, as union members and supporters lined up for nearly a half-mile along the road opposite the entrance. They began arriving about 6 a.m. and stayed until shortly before 8, hooting and jeering at non-union people driving in to start that shift.
Then they dispersed, as did a small group of state troopers standing near the entry point.
Those driving into the plant studiously avoided looking at the throng of strikers calling out to them and giving thumbs-down signs as they turned in.
The union is requiring the strikers to put in two hours a week on the picket line to draw the weekly $100.
It has issued strict orders against anyone bringing alcohol onto the picket line or showing up in an intoxicated conditon. Anyone who does will be sent home and will forfeit the strike benefits. Union members are also forbidden to carry firearms or to have them in their cars.
About 620 union members went on strike when their contract expired at midnight March 8. Another 380 already had been laid off from the plant.
The union is expected to participate in a parade and solidarity rally Sunday in Marion at 2:30 p.m. As of today, Local 1764 of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners will have been on strike for a month against Brunswick Corp., Marion's biggest employer.
by CNB