Picketers protesting non-union workers
By Mona Sandefur, Staff writer, Benton Evening News
mona@neondsl.com
Members of IBEW Local 702 of West Frankfort are carrying signs in protest of Cole Electric of Herrin and Benton, claiming the electrical company pays substandard wages and benefits to its employees.
Cole Electric General Manager Jason Shadowen said union workers have disrupted construction sites for the past 10 months, targeting his employees.
"They hassle us every day we are on the job," Shadowen said. "The union has two of its members assigned to follow us every day.
"Under Illinois Criminal and Traffic Law, Article 21.1 states, 'Residential picketing is considered unlawful before or about the residence or dwelling of any person, except when the residence or dwelling is used as a place of business,'" said Shadowen.
However, the home is currently under construction and is not considered a dwelling.
If found in violation of the statute, individuals may be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, Shadowen said.
"Our employees are paid well and have health insurance and retirement benefits," Shadowen said.
"We have seven employees and are one of the bigger non-union shops in Southern Illinois. We have the same thing as union workers," Shadowen added.
He said that Cole Electric was started in 1968 by his father-in-law's father-in-law.
Picketers protesting non-union workers
Staff writer
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment