FABCO/IUOE 324 STRIKE

Speak out for Justice!!

Strike Information Updated 1/16/03, Email comments to: mqtstrike@yahoo.com

Joe Fabick purchased the Caterpillar dealerships for Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the early 1980’s. The U.P. dealership had been unionized for over 20 years. Mr. Fabick continued to work with the union; the International Union of Operating Engineers, local 324 in a professional manner and bargained in good faith. Few grievances, if any were ever filed. A successful working relationship was in place.

During the last 2 contract negotiations Joe Fabick’s son Jere, has taken over as the C.E.O. In April 1998 the union was forced to strike over the union security clause regarding a non-union field mechanic residing in the Eastern U.P.

On August 1, 2001, 22 qualified service and parts employees began this lengthy strike in order to negotiate a fair and just contract with Fabco Equipment, the exclusive Caterpillar dealer in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. The Marquette, Michigan, facility is the only union shop in the Fabco chain of eight stores.

Although the agreement between the Operating Engineers Local 324 and Fabco Equipment expired on April 1, 2001, the union employees continued to work, with expectations that an agreement would take place. Fabco proposed its final offer on May 29, 2001, at which time no further negotiations were scheduled. From Fabco's first proposal to their final offer, the major unresolved issue has been the union security clause/closed shop, which has remained in place for over 35 years. This clause requires union membership as a condition of employment, which must be in place due to the lack of a seniority provision. An open shop, as proposed by Fabco, could allow for the elimination of our right to be represented by a collective bargaining agent.

In a letter dated July 23, 2001, Fabco informed the union employees that they were implementing their final offer of May 29, 2001, on September 1, 2001, leaving the union no alternative but to strike. Throughout negotiations the union proposed a continuation of the previous agreement for one year because of the economic conditions in the Upper Peninsula and to avoid the work stoppage that is currently in place.

During the week of December 15, 2001, the union directed the federal mediator to notify Fabco of the union’s willingness to accept all issues proposed by the company, except the union security clause, which would have brought this strike to a conclusion. Fabco rejected our good faith bargaining proposal.

In short the whole reason for this strike is over the right to have a union.

Because of the hiring of replacement workers our struggle has intensified, but through the continued support of our Local 324, other union organizations, and the public, we will continue to fight for our rights.

Thank you for all of your support,

Striking Members of Local 324

People Involved

The fight has involved many private citizens, unions and politicians throughout the Great Lakes area.

Consequences

The inability of Fabco to deal with the union has resulted in hardship to the strikers and their families. It has thrown the community into turmoil, and has prevented the customers from having the high quality of service that they are accustomed to and deserve. Being involved in a strike is three times as difficult as any job. The hardest issue to contend with is watching the scabs entering or exiting the property with their smirks on their faces, and their quotes like “thanks for the job!”

How You Can Help

We are asking the public to help by:

1). Not dealing with Fabco.

2). Contact your local politicians and tell them that you don’t want our tax dollars doled out to Fabco when they buy machines, parts and service for the State of Michigan, it’s counties, cities or municipalities. Tell them that they can buy their machines, parts and service from other Cat dealerships like Michigan Cat or Ziegler Cat.

Speak out for Justice!!