On Strike for Better Wages

Saturday 21st of July 2007 05:25:59 AM

Over one hundred employees of Tama Manufacturing, located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA, have been on strike for the past month because they are looking for higher wages. The company, which is privately owned, recently signed a deal with the Department of Defense to manufacture uniforms. Workers on strike claim the profits should be shared with employees through raises and should help pay for employee medial benefit premiums.

Union officials have applauded the efforts of those on strike and are trying to reach an agreement with the company so all workers can return to work soon. Because of the decline in the textile industry in the US, many companies have moved their operations overseas in order to save money in materials, labor, and rent for buildings and equipment. This has left fewer jobs for those who have worked in the industry for years.

In addition to producing uniforms, Tama Manufacturing also produces women's clothing under their label Alfred Dunner. Workers on strike claim they have suffered through pay cuts and lost hours over the years and would like to see something in return. The new uniforms contract will generate about US$21.9 million dollars for the company. While the company has offered raises to each employee, these are not enough to offset medical costs that are taken out of each paycheck.

(c)Benjamin Earwicker, www.sxc.hu