OSHKOSH, Wis. — It’s been about four weeks since United Auto Workers at the Cummins plant in Oshkosh walked off the job.
Their contract with the company expired in January and union members say they’re nowhere close to striking a new deal.
On Saturday, UAW Local 291 held a rally to put pressure on the multinational engine manufacturer.
Over 90 union members have been striking since March 18. They’re asking the company for fair wages, affordable health care and job security.
Members say frustrations continue to build around the negotiating process, or in their view, lack thereof.
UAW Local 291 President Ryan Compton said they’ve only met once with the company since the strike began.
“It’s just dragging out. And the company, during negotiations in fact, one day, told us that they’re willing to keep going for a year,” said Compton.
He said Cummins refuses to offer an agreement that prioritizes what members are asking for.
Cummins Director of External Communications, Melinda Koski, sent Spectrum News a statement that said, “we have been engaging in ongoing good-faith negotiations with union representatives at our plant in Oshkosh. We remain committed to exploring all available options to reach a mutually acceptable agreement while maintaining transparent communications with employees, customers and stakeholders.”
“I do not agree with them because they know that our contract was up on the 29th of January of this year, and they’ve owned us for three years. So, the end date was not a surprise to them,” said Compton.
Friends and family of union members have joined the fight. Brian Farmer is friends with several Cummins employees who are striking.
“I think they’ve come up against a union here that’s very large and has very sharp teeth and claws, and I don’t think they’re going to be successful at all,” said Farmer.
Members have been on strike without pay, living off of the union’s strike fund that comes from membership dues.
“We all know as working people, there’s many times in your life you’ve had to take hits to get what you want. What you feel is right to you, and this is one of those things you’ve got to take a hit,” said Compton.
“These guys have a lot of resilience, a lot of strength, a lot of backbone, and I’m very proud of all of them for standing on their principles and not crossing that line,” said Farmer.
Compton said it’s that kind of support from the community that’s lifting them up during these tough times.
“Which helps keep morale up knowing that you’re not fighting this battle by yourself,” said Compton.
Representatives said the union will meet with the Cummins on April 22-24, where they hope to strike a deal and get back to work.
