Mersen Columbia, Tenn. Joins CWA Union Over Wage, Safety Issues
TL/DR –
Employees at the Mersen plant in Columbia have chosen to join the industrial division of the Communications Workers of America, in a bid to address issues such as low wages, safety concerns and a lack of career progression. The vote followed concerns raised by workers at the facility about a lack of clear pay structure and no formal pathways for temporary workers to become full-time employees. Mersen, a French multinational conglomerate specializing in electrical power and advanced materials, has seen significant recent growth, reporting $1.27 billion in global sales in 2023, $486 million of which came from the US.
Mersen Employees Join Industrial Division of Communications Workers of America
Employees at Mersen Columbia plant, a French multinational graphite producer, have joined the industrial division of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), following a Monday vote by the National Labor Relations Board.
The Columbia plant, which employs 60 workers, had its grand opening ceremony on July 11, 2023, attended by local officials and community supporters.
Workers Seek to Address Key Issues
The vote, a victory for employees seeking to deal with issues like low wages, safety concerns and job progression, passed 39-13. [Read more]
Striving for a Safer and Structured Workplace
Tracy Jones, a worker involved in the unionizing process said, “We are proud of what we’ve accomplished by standing together to form a union. We look forward to working with Mersen to create a safer and more structured workplace and secure fair wages for everyone.”
Concerns Raised Over Pay Structure and Safety
Workers at Mersen’s Columbia facility have expressed concerns about the lack of a clear pay structure, the need for equitable compensation, and safety issues. There is also frustration due to the absence of formal pathways for temporary workers to become full-time employees.
Mersen’s US Growth
Mersen has seen significant growth in the US, with the company reporting $1.27 billion in global sales in 2023, $486 million of which came from the US. This success is partly attributed to US government support via initiatives like the CHIPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act.
Significance of Mersen’s Financial Performance
Orvin Caraballo, an IUE-CWA organizer, emphasized the significance of Mersen’s strong financial performance and expansion in high-growth sectors like semiconductors and renewable energy. Caraballo believes more workers organizing in these industries will lead to better conditions across the sector.
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