Local 660 Tenneco strikers hold firm

Members of UAW Local 660 at Tenneco’s Engineering Center in Grass Lake, Mich., comprise a small but highly skilled group, turning out sophisticated prototypes of exhaust systems for automotive manufacturers.

The 40-member bargaining unit always looked to the future during contract negotiations, deferring possible pay increases to set aside funds for retiree health care.

So when Tenneco said in 2004 it no longer was interested in “cradle to grave” health care and would cut off benefits for workers who had already retired, the union went to court, winning a reversal of the company’s decision.

Stung by its loss in court, Tenneco took a tough line at the bargaining table. When the most recent contract expired in April 2004, the company insisted there would be no health care for future retirees.

Members of Local 660 went on strike to defend the benefits they felt they had already paid for. Almost two years later, they are still fighting for justice at Tenneco.

“We’re a small group, but we’re fighting and we’re going to keep fighting,” says Larry Flannery, president of Local 660. “September was my 30-year anniversary. A big part of my retirement package was my health care. Now the question is whether I can afford to retire.”

A few workers crossed the picket line in the days after the strike started; a half-dozen more were called back to work in January 2006, when the company began hiring permanent replacements and the union made an unconditional offer to return to work.

The remaining strikers keep their spirits strong with a weekly Unity Dinner at their union hall. “We all deserve to be back in their working,” says Bill Hamlett, a picket captain with 10 years seniority at Tenneco.

Union members have filed unfair labor practice charges against the company for illegal firings, intimidation, discrimination and bargaining in bad faith. A victory at the National Labor Relations Board would require Tenneco to immediately re-hire striking workers.

In the meantime, UAW strike pay of $200 a week, plus health benefits, helps sustain families during the struggle for fairness at Tenneco. Some strikers have taken part-time jobs to make ends meet, but the long strike has taken its toll.

“We knew a strike was coming and we tried to prepare ourselves financially, but nearly two years later, that savings is wiped out,” says Hamlett.

Donations for Tenneco strikers can be sent to UAW Local 660, 8990 Saginaw St., Jackson, MI 45678.