Business & Tech

Union Workers Rally Against Missouri American Water

The company implemented an agreement with union workers after coming to an impasse.

On a day when temperatures reached triple digits, union leaders hoped to turn up the heat on Monday. At issue is a months-long dispute between the utility and members of the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA). 

After reaching an impasse following negotiating sessions dating back to September 2010, the company informed the union that effective Monday, it would implement a labor agreement which includes an 8.5 percent wage increase. The terms also give Missouri American the ability "use contractors in specifically defined areas, over time, according to a company spokeswoman.

"It’s an 8.5 percent increase if you’re here to work to enjoy it," Tom Schneider, President, UWUA Local 335 said Monday afternoon as dozens of employees gathered in front of the Missouri American headquarters on Craig Road in Creve Coeur. Schneider, from St. Peters, has worked for the company for five years. His father did so for decades.

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Rate Increase vs. Wage Increase

Union backers sought to link the wage increase with the recent rate increase request put before the Missouri Public Service Commission. Schneider painted a scenario where the company would use the wage increase to help justify the rate increase, and then hire outsourced contractors at a lower salary without benefits.

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In an email Monday, Missouri American spokesman Ann Dettmer said there is no connection between the two, and that the rate hike is a way of recovering costs associated with infrastructure improvements and other operations. 

Impact On Service

Both sides sought to downplay any impact on service during the negotiations and moving forward. Schneider says the union has retained the option of a strike, but described it as down the road. Dettmer said the company is prepared. "Our operations will be run by water professionals -- supervisors, managers and engineers. These professionals have years of experience running the water system, much of which was designed by our engineers."

It's not clear where the process goes from here. The company described Monday's terms as "best and final", after 30 negotiating sessions, some of which included a federal mediator. Workers were urged Monday not to back down.

“I’m not anti company. I want the company to succeed I want it to be profitable," Schneider said. "But I don’t want it to be profitable by taking away benefits and wages  to the workers to subsidize the shareholders.”


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