Local 505 Strike Ends

The Local 505 strike involving employees of the Ludowici Roof Tile Plant in New Lexington came to an end Friday.

One hundred and eight members of the W.S.W. Local 505 have been on strike since midnight on Monday. That strike came to an end Friday afternoon as the vote passed sixty-five to thirty-six. Union President, Ralph Donaldson told us more about the conclusion they came to instead.

“We proposed a similar package that we did last night which was, if you’re not going to give the spousal insurance to the new employees, that you compensate them fairly.” Explained Donaldson, “They didn’t want to do that last Monday when we talked but we came to mutual agreement that we got them fairly compensated over the next few years. We got their pay significantly increased. We got their insurance basically for free.”

Donadlson said the changes will help the new employees to pay for their spouses insurance. Donaldson explained they are a little disappointed but relieved at the same time due to the compromises. Director of Human Resources for Ludowici Roof Tile Plant told us his feelings about the outcome.

“I’m pleased we finally resolved our negotiation process and that our employees are coming back to work.”

Workers are expected to return to their normal shifts with the company on Sunday night, August 16.