Workers at Sappi's Somerset Mill in Skowhegan, Maine are gearing up for a potential strike as negotiations with the company reach a critical point.
Members of United Steelworkers Local 4-9, representing about 500 employees at the mill, voted on September 20 to authorize a strike over issues including excessive forced overtime and proposed changes to vacation policies.
The union cites several major issues driving the dispute:
- Forced Overtime: Workers report being required to work 24-hour shifts with only state-mandated days off every two weeks.
- Staffing Shortages: Critical positions are understaffed, leading to overwork. For example, only two qualified workers oversee the No. 2 paper machine.
- Vacation Policy Changes: Sappi is proposing to reduce vacation time when employees use state-mandated earned paid leave.
- Safety Concerns: Union leaders argue that exhausted workers operating heavy machinery pose safety risks.
The union has announced a rally for October 8 from 3-6:30 pm at their hall in Skowhegan. Justin Shaw, president of USW 4-9, stated, "Nobody wants to strike, but our members have been pushed so far to the limit with forced overtime that it's impacting their health and safety and their ability to see their families".
Sappi expressed disappointment at the strike authorization, stating they have offered "industry-leading wage increases" and that their wages are "among the best in both the industry and the region". The company disputes the union's characterization of overtime and vacation benefit issues.
Negotiations between Sappi and the union are scheduled for later this month. While a strike has been authorized, it has not yet been called. Both sides express hope for reaching an agreement, but the union warns they may strike if unsatisfied with the negotiation outcomes.
