Read about the effects of a lockout
Lockout 484 First listen to the radio interview. Then watch all the video clips (you must have Quicktime software installed on your computer to view them). The files take a while to load. Then look at the information this web page provides about Special Response Corporation. Then read the Fact SheetArticle on lockout in Boilermakers Newsletter
January 27, 2006 update: Unemployment benefits have run out for the locked out Local 484 boilermakers. Some of them have found other jobs, but most are lower paying. The Union President is working with legislators to pass a bill extending unemployment benefits to 39 weeks for "offensive lockouts." Other unions have "adopted" some of the Local 484 locked out employees, supporting them and their families. Local 484 reports "overwhelming support" from other unions and individuals. There are other developments which cannot yet be made public.
February 10, 2006 update: Local 484 and Celanese plan a negotiations meetings on February 14, 2006. Local 484 has schedule a meeting of union members on February 15. The unfair labor practice charges Local 484 filed with the NLRB are still pending.
February 14, 2006 update: Local 484 and Celanese negotiating teams met for seven hours on February 14, 2006. Both sides stated that the meeting yielded few results. This was the first meeting since December 2005. No further talks are scheduled.
March 28 update: Local 484 has just received a letter from the NLRB stating that it will not pursue unfair labor practice charges against the union filed by Celanese Corp.
Unfair Labor Practice Charges filed by Local 484 against Celanese
April 4, 2006: Local 484 and Celanese scheduled for a negotiations meeting at 8:30 a.m.
April 6, 2006: Local 484 and Celanese have meet for two negotiations sessions, and another session is scheduled next week.
April 19, 2006:
Lockout photo essayApril 19, 2006:
Illinois Times: News: News: Boiling pointApril 20, 2006: Local 484 and Celanese are scheduled to meet in St. Louis on April 26, 2006 at 9:00. The NLRB is also scheduled to attend.
April 28, 2006: Local 484 and Celanese negotiating teams met from 9:00 a.m. until almost 5:00 p.m. in St. Louis with Will Vance, Acting Director of the NLRB, present. Mr. Vance stated that he thought talks were going smoothly. A tentative meeting has been scheduled for Monday, May 1, 2006. Celanese is waiting for some data from the State of Illinois in order to proceed with a settlement.
May 25, 2006: Celanese and Local 484 have reached a settlement agreement and last night the union membership voted to ratify the agreement. No details yet on the settlement.