Two years later, striking Conn-Selmer workers rally for support

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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Union workers at Conn-Selmer's Vincent Bach musical plant in Elkhart held a rally

Striking union workers at Conn-Selmer's Vincent Bach musical plant in Elkhart held a rally on Wednesday, April 23, 2008. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Apr 23, 2008 at 5:24 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 25, 2008 at 4:13 PM EST

ELKHART — Two years ago this month, union workers at Conn-Selmer's Vincent Bach musical plant in Elkhart walked off the job.

Workers still inside the plant voted to decertify the union five months ago. The National Labor Relations Board is deciding if that vote should stand.

Striking workers rallied for support Wednesday. They've been to the bargaining table several times, but have not come back with a new contract. They hope the rally might make a difference.

Workers met outside the plant for about two hours Wednesday morning, many thinking the strike wouldn't have lasted this long.

"Personally I didn't feel they would be going on for now two years; I knew they were having a lot of problems in there before I left, but I didn't think it would go on for two years,” said Robert Scott, an employee at the plant for 41 years.

“Most of the people I'd say figured it wouldn't last even longer than a couple of months, three months,” said 40-year employee Steve Hoogenboom.

That's why they're hoping a rally might get things back on track.

"I hope it's positive, I hope it helps. Whether the strike is over, whether we go back in or get a contract we can work with,” said Kathy Harris, who has worked at the plant for 33 years. “It’s time for people to move on with their lives."

For now, workers are waiting to see which way a recent union decertification vote will go.

“We've had our decertification vote and that decision is in Washington,” explained Bo Coody, an employee for 20 years. “It was close so we're waiting on the NLRB to answer with that, so we might be here for another year."

In a show of solidarity, several UAW workers on strike at the American Axle plant in Three Rivers, Mich. were on hand to show their support.

"We've been out for two months now and we're fighting for the same thing that they're fighting for — fair wages, job security, a decent living, for the American worker,” said striking American Axle worker Andy Thomasma.

Many of those still on strike are getting by on $200 a week in union strike benefits.

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