Members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 37, an AFL-CIO affiliate union, working at the Arundel Sand and Gravel Quarry in Havre de Grace have set up an “informational” picket line at the quarry?s Route 155 entrance.
Though the union members at Arundel Sand have not walked off the job, they are using personal time to protest the unfair practices they are alleging against Arundel Sand and Gravel ? a subsidiary of Florida Rock Industries. Many of the union members said they will walk the picket line for about seven hours, in addition to their regular workday.
“Ultimately, we think they are trying to remove this union,” said Mark McQuay, a spokesman for Local 37.
McQuay, along with as many as 20 union members, picketed the entrance of Arundel Sand on Wednesday afternoon. McQuay said the picket line was established the day before.
“We?re alleging the company is violating federal labor laws,” McQuay said, adding that Arundel Sand has claimed it cannot meet the union?s new contract demands due to rising costs.
McQuay said the union has filed to see proof of these rising costs, but Arundel Sand and Gravel has yet to satisfy that request, thus making the picket a protest for the release of information.
“Some of these guys have been here for 20 to 25 years. They?re members of the community, and coaches of Little League teams. We just want to be treated fairly,” McQuay said.
Kelly Henry, a spokeswoman for Arundel Sand and Gravel, dismissed claims that the company was looking to get rid of the union.
“Arundel can not decertify a union, only the employees can,” Henry said.
She said Arundel Sand has been in negotiations with the union since February, and though there is an obvious dispute over the contract, the quarry’s leadership is committed to work with the union and other employees.
“Our overriding commitment is to treat our employees fairly and we’re working to do that,” Henry said.
McQuay said the union was scheduled to meet with Arundel Sand?s leadership Friday to continue talks on the union?s new contract.
