Union members at the Georgia Pacific Gypsum plant in Wheatfield, Indiana fought a long and hard battle and finally ratified a labor contract last spring. Shortly before the ratification vote, a decertification petition was filed with the National Labor Relations Board by a small group which has opposed union representation from the very start. The USW filed several unfair labor practice charges that were settled by Georgia-Pacific and a 60 day posting time has passed which is now allowing for this decertification election.These local members needed our show of support so on November 3, 2009, Steelworkers and SOAR members rallied outside the gate of the Georgia Pacific Gypsum plant in Wheatfield, Indiana.Georgia Pacific management is giving the same old speeches of past organizing campaigns filled with empty threats and promises. No matter how many boss's come and go our union contract protects their wages, benefits and working conditions.
Here's the company lingo:
"We have a new and better way of doing things, it's called MBM. Give us a year to put our new ideas into effect."........... Koch, owner, 2006
"Give me another year...if it doesn't get better, you can vote for a union next year."...Kurt Riggen, former Plant Manager, 2007
"I have a lot of ideas, give me one year to make imporovements. If it doesn't get better you can vote for a union next year."...Dave Sunberg, Current plant manager, 2009
A worker could ask him/her self three questions.
Has Georgia Pacific/Koch ever lived up to any of their promises?Was GP Wheatfield a better place to work before union representation?While Georgia Pacific management was looking to cut your wages and benefits while giving themselves raises and bonuses....Who's been fighting for you?The United Steelworkers!
Don't fall for Georgia Pacific's "Field of Dreams"
Vote Yes!
