Smithville workers picketing for better pay
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Approximately 30 employees at Ellettsville-based telecommunications company Smithville are picketing while not at work. The Herald-Times reports the workers, who are members of Communications Workers of America Local 4818, are seeking higher wages to help offset increased healthcare costs and inflation.
The union members, who are not on an official strike, are standing outside the Smithville office before and after work as bargaining teams from the union and Smithville continue discussions on a new contract.
“What it boils down to is health insurance costs are going up and the company is trying to put more of the burden on our members,” Steve Frazo, vice president of CWA Local 4818, told the publication. “The premiums are going up more than their pay is going up, so they’re wanting to get better wages to balance that out. And they want a pay increase to cover inflation as well.”
The union’s contract with Smithville has expired, but both sides agreed to an extension as negotiations continue.
The Herald-Times says the employees are construction workers who install underground fiber cable, but not all of the company’s workers are union members.
The company did not respond to the publication’s request for comment Thursday.
You can read the full story from The Herald-Times by clicking here.