KapStone union members reject company's contract offer

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http://tdn.com/news/local/kapstone-union-members-reject-company-s-contract-offer/article_ce0a3a9c-8814-11e4-b49c-0b23ee35868d.html

By Marissa Luck

Union mill workers voted overwhelmingly to reject KapStone’s contract offer, pushing the union a step closer toward a labor dispute with the paper and packaging corporation.

With 92 percent of union members voting, 99 percent rejected KapStone’s offer, according to an announcement on the Facebook page for the Associated of Western Pulp and Paper Workers Local 153. Union officials largely expected their members to reject the proposed contract — which the company called its final offer — in light of concerns over a reduction in health benefits as well as changes to seniority rules, overtime scheduling and job transfer policies.

"KapStone continues to make record profits. During the time our union members were voting on the proposed labor agreement, KapStone announced they are giving an extra stock dividend payout worth millions of dollars to their wealthy shareholders while still demanding concessions from their hard working dedicated hourly workforce," AWPPW International Vice President Greg Pallesen said.

Local 153 members voted to approve a strike authorization two weeks ago, granting their permission to call a strike if necessary, giving the company 10 days notice.

FULL story at link.