CalPortland employees go on strike in Mojave, claiming that proposed pay raises and no retirement benefits are unfair.
- CalPortland workers started picketing at the entrance of the cement plant on Sunday.
- This is the first strike at the location since 1981.
Employees at the CalPortland Cement Plant in Mojave are on strike. I’m Steve Virgen, your neighborhood reporter. Workers claim low pay and no retirement benefits.
Over 100 employees are on the picket line.
CalPortland’s proposed three-year contract has sparked outrage among its employees. What was the workers’ response? 107 employees are picketing at the entrance in three shifts, 24 hours per day. They are upset about a 3.5 percent raise in year one and a 2% raise in each of the following years, as well as the lack of retirement benefits.
“We are hot. We are tired. Obviously, we want to go to work. We are all skilled individuals. We make the plant run. We want to be at work. But we also want to make a decent living,” explained Ben Marks, an employee.
CalPortland issued a statement:
“We believe the offer on the table is fair and competitive, and it is unfortunate that the situation has led to a labor action. We value our employees and recognize their importance to the success of our company. We remain fully committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement that balances our employees’ needs with our organization’s long-term viability.”
Ben informs me that this is the first strike at this location since 1981. He has worked at CalPortland for more than 22 years.
“All we want is a decent contract so we can get back to work without scaring our families. Just start making money again and go back to your regular life. That is all we are looking for. Return to the program and make these people some money. We are currently at a stalemate. “We need to move forward,” Ben stated.
Ben informs me that other local businesses nearby, such as Union Pacific Railroad and UPS, have been encouraging and supportive. I’m Steve Virgen, your neighborhood reporter.
