In June 1999, Imerys informed Local 3-516 of the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical, and Energy Workers International Union (PACE) that it was withdrawing recognition of the union from its plant in Sylacauga, Alabama, where workers first organized their union in 1972. As a result of the merger between Imetal and ECC, Imerys combined its unionized plant with a much larger and former non-union ECC plant located next door. Imerys claimed it could not recognize the union, since the majority of employees at the combined plant were non-union.
PACE met with Imerys management soon after the withdrawal of recognition and asked that workers at the combined plant be allowed to hold a free and democratic election for union representation. PACE asked company officials to let the workers decide for themselves the question of union representation without interference from the company. Imerys said NO!
Upon rejecting PACE's offer, Imerys began a campaign against union supporters. Imerys formed an anti-union contingent of higher paid workers known as the "A-Team," who actively campaign against the union and wear shirts embroidered on the back with the words, GOON SQUAD. The company has forced workers to attend anti-union meetings and watch anti-union films. PACE believes Imerys management has harassed union supporters and discriminated against them. PACE filed numerous charges with the National Labor Relations Board for these unlawful practices. PACE recently uncovered a manual prepared for Imerys management on how to destroy the union in Sylacauga.
In the face of the company's union-busting campaign, workers are courageously standing up to Imerys' management. PACE announced on January 5, 2000 that a majority of workers signed cards authorizing PACE International Union to be their representative! Former non-union workers from ECC are joining union workers in building a wall of solidarity to demand union recognition and worker rights.
Workers and their unions from Imerys plants throughout the world are also showing their support for workers in Sylacauga, Alabama. They recognize that an attack on labor unions anywhere is an attack on labor unions everywhere!
Playing a leading role in the campaign is the 20 million-strong International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM), to which PACE is affiliated. "We are prepared to use our experience and resources to mobilize a multi-national campaign against Imerys until justice prevails in Sylaucaga," said ICEM General Secretary Fred Higgs.