Yahoo Autos Canton mill closing: Local union officers stripped of titles, power
The union that represents most workers at Pactiv Evergreen’s Canton mill has been placed under control of its Pittsburgh-based international union, stripping local officers of their titles and power.
“This is a common practice when there is a closure,” said Daniel Flippo, District 9 president of the United Steelworkers Union. “It’s no reflection of the officers and leadership.”
(Note: This story originally appeared in The Smoky Mountain News.)
On March 22, Flippo told The Smoky Mountain News that the practice of administratorship ensures continuity in the union’s operations when workers begin to be let go from their jobs. The move also ensures that contract rights and grievance procedures can be enforced until the very last worker leaves the mill for the final time.
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The Smokey Mountain Local 507 represents the majority of the mill’s estimated 1,000 workers.
Flippo said local officers would continue to help with operations for as long as possible, and that Alan Jones, a staff representative with the USW, would be heavily involved and serve as the administrator.
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