Philips employees protest working conditions
By SARAH GROSSMAN THE LEADER

JASON COX/THE LEADER Pictured above, workers picket outside the Philips Lighting plan on Route 54 in Bath. At far left, Brian Harding, a product group specialist, holds a sign outside the plant.

BATH - Union employees at Philips Lighting let the public know Tuesday they are not happy with the light bulb manufacturer.

The union held an "informational" picket outside the plant on State Route 54 to protest what it claims are contractual violations committed by management.

"We had a very good turn out despite the bad weather," said Bill Drake, president of the United Steelworkers Local 1013T.

The union, which represents about 365 employees, claims Philips has violated the four-year labor agreement that went into effect April 1.

Picketing was done in twohour periods at the end of the workers' shifts throughout the day Tuesday.

The picketing did not stop work nor was it meant to, Drake said. He said the union may continue to voice its displeasure but is not likely to perform a work stoppage strike.

MaryJo "Jobie" Ames, an employee with the company for 30 years, was out with a sign encouraging cars to beep their horns.

"The morale in this plant is the worst I have seen it in 30 years," she said. "We've always had issues but never felt until now that we had no input."

The union has filed three charges against Philips with the National Labor Relations Board and filed grievances with the company, Drake said.

He said Philips began denying a long-standing practice of allowing workers to take a Friday and Monday off to extend the weekend on holidays. Also, the company began requiring employees to fill out vacation request forms and wielding the right to deny a request.

Ames said an employee with 37 years experience was denied a day off, despite his seniority.

Another issue was Philips' denial of a negotiated $12,000 retirement incentive, Drake said. The company claimed the money was only meant for people who signed up to retire by July 2, he said.

"The company is not following the contract that was negotiated," said Rich Butler, a union employee.

The company said Monday that the strike was not authorized and that it plans to follow the proper grievance procedure - which does not include making the issue public, said Andre Manning, company spokesman.

Philips Lighting manufactures light bulbs and is located on State Route 54, north of Bath.