GRAND RAPIDS— UPM Blandin paper mill workers remain on strike after negotiations Wednesday, Aug. 2, were unsuccessful.
Workers are striking for better wages, the elimination of a two-tier pay system and changes to staffing levels.
Teamsters Local No. 346 President Jeff Oveson said the union is proposing to go into mediation to settle differences.
“They made an offer that adjusted some of the economics but didn't address any of our core concerns,” said Oveson.
“Again, in the end, they kind of just shuffled things around.”
“We, as the Union body, have been in touch with federal mediation throughout the process and the employer has not, but we told the employer across the table yesterday that we feel like going forward, we have to have mediation involved to try to get to an agreement,” added Oveson.
UPM Blandin spokesperson Marsha Miller provided this statement:
“Blandin Paper Company’s negotiating team met with the Teamsters Local 346 membership as planned Wednesday, Aug. 2.
The company proposed a revised multi-year offer that included year over year wage increases, additional paid time off, and an increase to employer health savings account (H.S.A.) contributions which the union declined to consider. As a result, discussions have concluded for the day.
“The company remains engaged in and committed to the bargaining process. We are hopeful we can move forward and reach an agreement when negotiations resume.”
You hear the honking in the background? Just another big shout-out to the community here.Jeff Oveson
Eighty percent of UPM Blandin’s workforce is on strike, shutting down production at the mill.
The strike, the first in the paper mill’s 122-year history,began less than a month ago.
"You hear the honking in the background? Just another big shout-out to the community here,” added Oveson.
“The community has been extremely supportive. We really appreciate them.”
