Wrongly-fired Field Techs Picket Caesars'/ISU -- UAFT (IUOE Local 141) Update
 
On Monday September 14, 1998, 12 of the 21 archaeological field technicians
laid off by Indiana State University's contract lab raised an informational
picket in front of the Caesars' construction site along HWY 111, near New
Albany, Indiana.  As soon as the technicians set foot on the shoulder of the
road (highway
right-of-way) Caesar's goons dressed in black t-shirts and jeans began
threatening and harassing them.  The techs were told to "get the hell off of
Caesars' property" and that they were "all going to jail."  Trey Edwards,
assistant project manager from Caesars, sat in a company vehicle across the
street from the picket line counting heads, taking pictures and talking on
his cellular phone.  One of the larger goons told picketing techs that he
was calling the sheriff and state troopers to arrest everyone present.
Luckily, the media showed up before violence was incited -- the Vice
Chairman of the UAFT was told by Caesars' thugs that he would be hit if he
didn't leave the area immediately.
 
Local affiliates from FOX, NBC, ABC, and local Louisville station TV 32
covered the action.  There were also reporters from the Louisville Courier
Journal and the Corydon Democrat there.  National Public Radio covered the
picket as well.  Regardless of the rocky start the picket was a smashing
success.  An estimated 90% of the 300 union construction workers walked off
the site and honored the picket line.  Many were shouting "solidarity" and
blowing their car horns as they drove away and one construction worker
briefly joined the line.  Of the 21 field technicians who kept their jobs at
the site, only 7 showed up for work on Monday.
 
Many trucks carrying cargo to the site turned away when they saw the picket
signs and refused to deliver their materials.  It was the first time since
construction started on the Ohio river floodplain that there was silence
across the area -- no heavy machinery was working.  The informational picket
ended Monday afternoon, but news crews covering the story from helicopters
above the site reported live at 6pm that work was still at a
stand still at that time.  Before the picketing began, construction had been
ongoing 24 hours a day (3 shifts).  One building trades representative
estimated that Caesars had lost apporximately $100,000 as a result of the
morning's activities.
 
At the time this report was prepared there have been no attempts by Caesars
or Indiana State University to open negotiations with the UAFT.  The
archaeological technicians are seeking re-employment with ISU and a union
contract that pays the $18/per hour union scale that is owed them.  The UAFT
will continue to pursue this matter with ISU and Caesars until a resolution
is reached that satisfies all parties involved.
 
 
Further questions on the UAFT's position should be addressed to:
Employee counsel Jim McDonald of Terra Haute, IN. 812.238.2546
 
Comments (and complaints) regarding ISU's actions may be addressed to:
Dr. Rus Safford
voice 812.237.3990
fax 812.237.3996
 
The UAFT Homepage is located at http://members.aol.com/UAFT/home.htm
 
Please forward to all interested parties -- thanks in advance!
 
 
In Solidarity,
 
Paul Reckner (member - UAFT)