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  August 24, 2004 Members of Local 190 employed by the city of Billings, Montana ratified a new three-year contract, which ended an eleven-day strike. The vote was 265 to 28 in favor of the agreement. Three probationary workers who were fired for refusing to cross the picket lines have been rehired as part of the agreement process. However, Local 190 still plan to pursue unfair labor practice charges against the city for terminating an additional 13 seasonal employees who also refused to cross picket lines. "This is a solid contract for our members," said Joe Dwyer, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 190. "We were able to clear up many "gray areas" that had been in the contacts for years." City workers celebrated outside their city hall when they learned they were going back to work, but said they had no regrets about the strike. The workers walked off the job on August 7 over disagreements in base pay, seniority, and longevity pay. "Nobody can afford to strike," said MetTransit driver Steve Leichner. "But sometimes you have to do what’s right." "This whole process has created a new strength and unity among city workers," said Dan Bryan, a six-year veteran of the Airport Fire and Rescue team. "That unity is a real achievement given the diversity of our jobs and the different issues involved with them all." Major highlights of the contract include
"Striking is never our first choice for resolving contract disputes," said Dwyer. "But our members saw a need to take a principled stand for workers’ rights everywhere. It was wonderful to see them in action." Click here to read a letter of support for the Local 190 city workers from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. Click here to read a letter of congratulations from Teamsters International Vice President At-Large Ralph Taurone. |
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