A dozen public works employees are on strike in Midlothian after federal mediation sessions failed to produce a new contract, according to Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers.
The local said Monday the workers went on strike Sunday.
A message left with a village representative seeking comment on the strike was not immediately returned.
The union said it “remains open to dialogue and hopes that the village will take this opportunity to address the concerns raised, ensuring a swift and amicable resolution to the ongoing dispute.”
The union said it planned to file an unfair labor practice charge Monday in response to what it said was a threat made by the village to fire any employees who walked out.
Local 150 filed an unfair labor practice charge Feb. 12 with the Illinois Labor Relations Board then later notified the village of its intent to call a strike.
The village contended its contract with the public works employees represented by Local 150 contains a no-strike clause, and that workers could be subjected to firing or other discipline if they walked off the job.
The union said Monday the strike is not in violation of state labor law or the bargaining agreement with the village.
It said its agreement with Midlothian had expired at the end of last April, and that “the expiration of the contract renders the Union’s impending strike lawful, notwithstanding the presence of the no strike clause in the expired contract.”
The union said a Jan. 23 session was held with a federal mediator, who met with both sides separately and with each making oral contract proposals.
Another mediation session was held Feb. 21, according to the union, which said it was prepared to “sit at the bargaining table for as long as needed to negotiate a fair contract.”
The union said that, after making its last offer, the village ended the session for the day. It said the next mediation session is scheduled for March 3.
Local 150 said members are striking over the alleged unfair labor practice as well as to advocate for a fair and equitable contract.
Key demands include wages and insurance, and the union is seeking insurance coverage for bargaining unit retirees, something it says is available to other village employees.
In filing the initial unfair labor practice, the union cited an exchange of text messages Feb. 9 between the village’s bargaining consultant and a member of the bargaining unit.
The union alleges the texts by the village consultant was an “attempt to mock the union’s attempts to improve the terms and conditions of employment” for union members. The complaint alleges the messages amounted to coercement of bargaining unit members.
mnolan@southtownstar.com
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