Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of AFL-CIO and International Vice President of the United Steelworkers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a proposed contract USW Local 8888 rejected and efforts to reopen negotiations with Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) Newport News Shipbuilding.
Local 8888 represents over 10,000 steelworkers who build U.S. aircraft carriers. In November, they rejected the proposed contract by a 2-1 margin, as they did not feel the proposal reflected the wealth they helped create for the company, nor appreciation for their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Redmond said. Local 8888 leaders will put together a new proposal to present to management next week, he added.
Redmond also talked about a strike by Stoneway Concrete drivers, who are members of Teamsters Local 174. In December, they walked off the job in objection to a draconian healthcare plan that had exorbitantly high costs and changes to their retirement plan, he said.
Lastly, Redmond spoke about efforts by Democrats in the U.S. Senate to remove the filibuster in an effort to pass voting rights legislation. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Shumer (D-New York) has suggested a rule change may be necessary to pass laws to prevent voter suppression.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics: