Posts Categorized: ICWUC

Workers at the Gaylord Chemical manufacturing facility in Tuscaloosa, Ala., voted to unionize with the ICWUC on Jan. 7 and 8. The Gaylord Chemical Company is one of world’s largest producers of Dimethyl Sulphide and Dimethyl Sulfoxide products, and these workers are employed in the production and maintenance divisions at the facility.

The workers voted to join the ICWUC by an overwhelming margin. Their strong support for union representation and better working conditions is significant given that Alabama is a right to work state. The campaign to organize these workers included support from the international union and local community, and sets an important precedent for similar efforts in Alabama and future organizing campaigns in other regions with similar challenges.

“The workers excelled when it came to open support, public support, and the numbers reflected that,” ICWUC Organizing Coordinator Jordan Easley said. “They got what they deserve.”

Gaylord Chemical workers are looking forward to negotiating a first union contract that improves working conditions and gives them a united voice in the workplace.

“I just want to thank the International Chemical Workers Union for getting behind us and supporting us,” said Hunter Williams. “As soon as we reached out to them, they were quick to respond and stand with us through this election. Special thanks to International President Heasley, Local 191T President Baker, International Secretary-Treasurer Lawrence, and Organizer Easley.”

“Thanks to the ICWUC, we have gained a historic victory in securing the right to have our voice heard and our interests protected in the workplace,” said Johnny Sims. “It stands as a symbol of solidarity and strength, ensuring fair treatment, safety, and a brighter future for me and my co-workers.”

“My brothers and I are super excited for the opportunity to join the ICWUC,” said Michael Savage. “It gives us a voice and the ability to work together to make our workplace better. It also has given us a sense of job security.”

On April 28—Workers Memorial Day—the UFCW honored workers who have been killed, injured, disabled or harmed in the workplace.

 “Workers across this country continue to face danger on the job, whether it is the ongoing epidemic of gun violence or the indefensible steps taken by some legislators to roll back workplace protections – including child labor regulations,” said UFCW International President Marc Perrone in a statement. “This Workers Memorial Day, our union honors the countless families, communities, and co-workers who have had to deal with the tragic loss of their loved ones.”

“Every day, our members show up to work to ensure that America is fed and our communities keep running, and they should not have to put their lives on the line in order to make a living. The UFCW is committed to continuing the fight to uplift workers and their safety across the country, whether that’s through legislation or a strong union contract.”

Leading up to Workers Memorial Day, the UFCW also held events to honor those who have suffered and died on the job.

The ICWUC/UFCW held a Workers Memorial Day service on April 26 at their headquarters in Akron, Ohio, to honor the memories of ICWUC/UFCW members and all workers who lost their lives, were injured or contracted a disease because of needless and preventable workplace tragedies. ICWUC/UFCW President Lance Heasley and UFCW International Secretary-Treasurer Milton Jones spoke at the event, along with local government officials and Representative Emilia Sykes (Ohio-13) and Senator Sherrod Brown (Ohio).

“This Workers Memorial Day, our union stands with the families, communities, and co-workers who have lost loved ones,” said Jones. “And we honor their service by reaffirming that we will never stop fighting for meaningful improvements in workplace safety—at the bargaining table and in the legislative process—for each and every single worker in this country.”

“On Workers Memorial Day we pay tribute to the lives lost in workplace accidents. We must all pledge to fight tirelessly for workplace safety, so that no other worker suffers this preventable fate,” said Heasley. “Together, let us honor the memory of all workers who have tragically lost their lives on the job. Their legacy will forever inspire us to strive for a safer, healthier, and more just world for all workers. May we never forget the sacrifices of those we have lost, and may their memory continue to guide us in our pursuit of workplace safety and justice.”

If your local attended or hosted an event to observe Workers Memorial Day, please share that information, along with photos, with Julie Anderson at janderson@ufcw.org.