Manitowoc, Wis. workers strike

Shown are members of the International Association of Machinists Lodge 516 on the picket line at the world headquarters of the Manitowoc Co. in Manitowoc, Wis. The workers at Manitowoc Co. make construction cranes that are used in 26 countries.

About 200 members of IAM Local 516 walked off the job Nov. 14 after rejecting a union-busting contract proposal by a margin of 183 to 3 and voting 181 to 2 to authorize a strike. The company’s “freedom to choose” proposal, which would make the company an open shop, “left us no choice but to reject the contract,” said Ben Elizondo, union representative.

After IAM 516 members went on strike, the company laid off all members of the boilermakers union at the main plant. These workers, along with other workers and community supporters, have been walking the picket line in solidarity with their IAM sisters and brothers.

Solidarity for the striking workers is growing but more support is needed. Supporters can join the picket line from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The picket line is on 30th Street between Viebahn and Dewey streets in Manitowoc. For more information: www.iamlodge516.org/.

— Report and photo by Bryan G. Pfeifer