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

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

Tools

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

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.

Thursday, Apr 24 at 12:54 PM No one wins wrote ...

No one wins when a strike, like at Conn Selmer, or American Axle spreads to other companies, or lasts a long time. The wounds will not heal for a longtime, and the union has no negotiating position after about 3 months. I hope that all involved land on their feet, and can get on with their lives.

Thursday, Apr 24 at 7:59 AM Joel wrote ...

Unions were needed 100 years ago when factories where human chop houses. That's no longer the case. These people need to get off their butts and get to work.

Thursday, Apr 24 at 7:57 AM The real Todd wrote ...

Seems like somebody else has taken on my blog name to stir up stuff. They are on strike from what?..they were replaced and don't have jobs anymore! Do what is right and take care of your families. There is absolutely no justification to live on 200.00 a week for two years. Especially when your job no longer exist and you will not be taken back. I would be angry if I were a union worker and these people are draining your strike fund. Why are they UAW when they build instruments?

Thursday, Apr 24 at 6:40 AM L wrote ...

Will some oen tell them to give up. I interviewed for an engineering position over there over a year ago. They have since, replaced everyone. Their quality and production is way higher than when those union workers were there. Profits are good. Give up. Unions are bad for the economy and are driving business out of the country. Unions are hurting themselves. I am an educated engineer and floor sweepers make more than me. There is some wrong with that picture.

Thursday, Apr 24 at 6:10 AM Anonymous wrote ...

2 yrs? Wow. I'm guessing that the people striking could probably stop wasting there time. If they've gone 2 yrs without them they probably don't need them back - just a hunch

Thursday, Apr 24 at 5:45 AM Ann wrote ...

Shame these people can't see the light for the $ signs.There are no winners in strikes they are totally counter productive.The reasons so many business have left the U.S.is because of unions.My employeer is union and I see so much abuse towards the company by hourly it is a crime. Wake up and realize companies cannot keep giving and giving. BE THANKFUL YOU HAVE A GOOD JOB and give your employer 100%!!

Wednesday, Apr 23 at 10:09 PM Todd wrote ...

Unions are for the lazy people.

Wednesday, Apr 23 at 9:55 PM JT wrote ...

WOW?!?!?! Wake up people. Thr unions don't really care if you work or not. Who really is making the money here? You pay dues and stand on the line now making how much? Probaly a lot less that you would be if you were working.

Wednesday, Apr 23 at 7:20 PM Trebor wrote ...

Wake up Unions are done! Want the good jobs to come back? start demanding American made products. Write companies and explain that you only but American.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

WSBT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

WSBT Weather

More On Demand

Stock Quotes

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.30
Jeopardy!
8.00
The Unit
9.00
48 Hours Mystery
10.00
48 Hours Mystery
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
CSI: Miami
10.00
CSI: Miami

Question of The Day

Do you think the Founding Fathers would be proud of America today?

For more information, read CNN Poll: Most say Founding Fathers wouldn't be impressed.

  • Yes
  • No