Union vote close at RathGibson
JANESVILLE — Union voting was so close at RathGibson on Thursday that the National Labor Relations Board will likely play a role in the outcome.
One hundred and twenty-four production employees were eligible to cast ballots in favor or opposition to representation by International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 139.
Nearly 96 percent of them voted, and the vote was nearly split down the middle.
At the end of the day, 60 voted in favor of the union while 59 opposed it. Local 139 is challenging four ballots that were set aside and not included in the outcome.
Thad Steinke, organizing director for Local 139, said the ballots in question were cast by three supervisors and one clerical worker the union thinks were not eligible to vote.
The union and company now have one week to make their cases to the NLRB on the legitimacy of the four ballots. The NLRB could reach a decision in two or three weeks.
If all four ballots are thrown out and the final tally stands at 60-59, the union would win, Steinke said.
Workers approached the union about six weeks ago with concerns that their wages and benefits have been diluted by RathGibson's acquisitions of other companies.
RathGibson was founded in 1952 in Janesville as Rath Dairy Sales Co. Today the company makes stainless steel and alloy welded tubular products.
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By GAZETTE STAFF 05/15/12
Apr 7, 2009 at 10:40 a.m.
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Way to go, RathGibson employees. I'm sure your new owner is already making plans about which of their other plants they can move your jobs to.
Apr 7, 2009 at 10:25 a.m.
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How well did the Union help out the local GM workers. Not so good if you ask around. The Union might win this battle but the workers will lose the war and their jobs once the company moves out of state. Within 2 years the company will be gone from Janesville.
Apr 4, 2009 at 8:11 a.m.
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Being a long time RathGibson employee I would like to make a correction to this story. Only one person out of 124 didn't vote. That means we had over 99% turn out. I'm sorry that it had to go this far and we couldn't work things out. I'm hoping we can still defeat the union and help the company survive the economic downturn.
Apr 3, 2009 at 11:47 p.m.
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softail is correct, all that unions care about is the useless whinners etc and padding their own pockets
Apr 3, 2009 at 11:37 p.m.
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mayhem and softail you are both so correct here, I can't believe in the state the economy and unemployment situation is in there are still people that are not just glad that they have excellent paying jobs! Hey lets see if we can push and push until there isn't anything left, we all saw how great the union thing worked out for all the GM workers in this town.
Apr 3, 2009 at 9:10 p.m.
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I have worked for a union company for 15 years, which by the way is no longer here.i will never work for another union shop again! all the union does is take care of the useless, cry babies, whine ass loser's. not the HARD WORKING PEOPLE THAT BUST THIER ASS.And show up for work everyday. I could go on and on but it just is not worth it.
Apr 3, 2009 at 5:26 p.m.
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You're right mayhem. My original comment was just me being sarcastic. Does anyone really think that good companies with good manufacturing jobs to offer are going to be excited to locate in Janesville? I guarantee the unions will scare them away!!
Apr 3, 2009 at 4:19 p.m.
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I take it your a "NO" vote mayhem08?
Apr 3, 2009 at 3:53 p.m.
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Yeah that is exactly it, "PUSH" their way in just like everyother pos union. The only reason they are being contested is because they are no votes if they were yes there would be no issue!!!!! Do you really think in this economy it is the time to be pushing the issue??? Is it fair to risk everyones job that works there and lose a damn good paying job??!!
Apr 3, 2009 at 3:02 p.m.
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Just hang in there Local 139.
Apr 3, 2009 at 2:13 p.m.
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How did Hufcor vote go?
Apr 3, 2009 at 12:20 p.m.
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Wonder how the 4% that didn't vote feel,, do they still think 1 vote won't matter,,, they probably don't vote in government elections either,,,,
Apr 3, 2009 at 11:45 a.m.
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Have patience Local 139. In a few months Mr. Obama and Ms. Pelosi will make it far easier for you to push your way in!!
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