Facing tough economy, Freeport workers stand together to win

Before they hit the bargaining table, the nearly 80 members of Local 3367 were feeling what so many working people are feeling: That the cost of living is just getting higher and it’s getting harder to make ends meet.

But union members knew by standing together in their fight for a new contract, they have the power to build a better future.

The union bargaining committee was fighting to hold the line on health insurance, to win more time off—and crucially, to win wage increases that would allow them to keep up.

Early on in negotiations, management ratcheted up tensions when they attempted to restrict 911 telecommunicators’ lunch breaks with little notice and without bargaining with the union over it. Local 3367 immediately filed grievances and sent a notice to the employer demanding to bargain over the changes. 

Members responded to that aggression by packing city council meetings holding signs declaring that “We Are Heroes Too” and passionately spoke out during open comment. 

Members of the community they serve rallied to their side. They showed up to meetings and urged the city to immediately agree to a fair contract. Some urged union members to strike, vowing to stand with them in solidarity if it came to that.

The local ultimately won a new contract without having to go on strike, largely thanks to their willingness to speak out and the support they received from the community. 

“We won the best pay scale raise for our local in its history,” said local President Andrew Girscher. “Certain people saw an average between 6-12% right away, with backpay. Everyone else saw a 4% increase each year for the duration of the contract. I’m extremely proud of that.” 

But their new contract does more than just raise wages. They won expanded bereavement leave, more vacation and sick time, and made improvements to the grievance procedure that will benefit union members. 

The bargaining committee included Girscher, Josh Oldenburg, Janet Weber, Kenneth Milliken and Janelle Folkers. The committee was led by Council 31 Staff Representative Rob Holt.