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22 June, 1999International metal union adopts resolution in support of U.S. tire workers.
HELSINKI: Larry Murray, Vice-President of the USWA Local 850 for Continental General Tire Company, in Charlotte, N.C., USA, addressed the IMF Central Committee today (June 23) with regard to the ongoing workers' struggle at the company's plant in Charlotte. The 1,450 employees at the plant have been on strike since September 20, 1998, following the refusal of the management to negotiate in good faith.
The IMF resolution in support of the USWA Local 850 struggle was then adopted by the Central Committee and calls upon all its affiliates to support the "Don't Tread on Us" campaign, which is being coordinated by the International Chemical Workers' Federation (ICEM). The IMF is asking for letters of support and solidarity to be sent to the USWA and Local 850. Also, it requests that letters be sent to the management of Continental AG, in Germany, which owns the U.S. plant, calling upon it to:
- reinstate all of its 1,450 employees;
- sever their relationship with the private security company, Vance Security;
- respect their employees' rights to fundamental trade union rights;
- negotiate a Corporate Code of Conduct with the trade unions involved;
- return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith;
- supply all necessary information to enable a collective agreement to be signed;
- ensure that management is given the responsibility for collective bargaining and has the authority to conclude an agreement;
- refrain from threats to withdraw planned investment.
The IMF resolution in support of the USWA Local 850 struggle was then adopted by the Central Committee and calls upon all its affiliates to support the "Don't Tread on Us" campaign, which is being coordinated by the International Chemical Workers' Federation (ICEM). The IMF is asking for letters of support and solidarity to be sent to the USWA and Local 850. Also, it requests that letters be sent to the management of Continental AG, in Germany, which owns the U.S. plant, calling upon it to:
- reinstate all of its 1,450 employees;
- sever their relationship with the private security company, Vance Security;
- respect their employees' rights to fundamental trade union rights;
- negotiate a Corporate Code of Conduct with the trade unions involved;
- return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith;
- supply all necessary information to enable a collective agreement to be signed;
- ensure that management is given the responsibility for collective bargaining and has the authority to conclude an agreement;
- refrain from threats to withdraw planned investment.