Early morning picket: RockTenn workers in Oakland voted to strike just after 4 am on Aug 30th. They ratified a new contract on Sept. 11th.
Local 6 members at the RockTenn recycling facility in Oakland went on strike for several hours early in the morning on August 30th after the company refused to bargain fairly for a new contract. Workers made
the decision to strike after unfair labor practice charges were filed against the company.
Less than two weeks later, on Sept. 11th, workers overwhelmingly ratified a new agreement that will raise wages and move toward wage parity with workers in San Jose.
Before the action, negotiations with RockTenn had dragged-on for more than a year. The company had made it clear that they were not interested in hearing the workers’ proposals, including the issue of wage
parity with RockTenn workers in San Jose who had been earning $2.00 more per hour for the same work.
Recycling work at RockTenn can be hazardous. Workers face numerous hazards including sharp objects, discarded hypodermic needles, and dangerous trash compacting machinery.
Amalia Cerrillo who has worked at the facility for 14 years, is only earning $1.00 an hour more than when she first started. “It is unfair that the company is paying us so much less than the workers in San Jose,” she said. ILWU members from several Bay Area locals joined the picket in solidarity.
Local 10 members were on hand to show their support including Local 10 President Richard Mead. Local 34 members came along with Local 6 members from several shops to picket in solidarity with the RockTenn
workers. Local 6 Secretary-Treasurer Fred Pecker was on hand and thanked all of the ILWU members for their solidarity.
Truck drivers refused to cross the picket line including two trucks from the City of El Cerrito that were driven by members who belong to SEIU Local 1021.
After several hours of picketing, the workers voluntarily voted to end their strike and return unconditionally to work.