Workers for Smithville Communications in Ellettsville are holding “informational picketing” while negotiators from the Communication Workers of America local 4818 renegotiate their contract with the company.
Ric Spires is president of the CWA Local 4818, which represents around 2,000 workers for Smithville Telephone Company, AT&T, CBRE, IU Bloomington, IU Northwest, and other workplaces across Indiana and Illinois.
He said contract negotiations happen every three years and Smithville has historically negotiated in good faith.
“Out of the few contracts that I negotiate, I do look forward to the Smithville one,” Spires said. “Obviously, we're on opposite sides of the table, but it's always… I don't want to say fun. But it's interesting. And I think we all work towards that same goal.”
Smithville workers hope for improved benefits and pay through negotiations. The informational picket took place before and after work this week to show solidarity with their union.
“They don't want to do anything to disrupt business, to hurt Smithville or the customers,” Spires said. ‘This is a way we can do it that is just information and to get out there and to show that we're one, that we're one voice.
According to the CWA, bargaining with Smithville began during the last week of March.
President of Smithville Fiber Paul Quick told WFIU News that negotiations with the CWA were a “work in process.” Asked for further comment, Quick replied, “that was the interview.”
