The striking workers from seven different union locals are conducting spirited round-the-clock picketing. They are jointly negotiating new contracts and making sure that the lines are well staffed at all hours. Outside the plant T-shirts proudly list the unions involved: Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union (PACE) locals 18 and 155; Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters Local 773; the Firemen and Oilers; International Association of Machinists Local 365; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 236; and United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 229.

Finch, Pruyn is demanding that workers give up double time pay on Sundays and holidays, and that employees start paying half their health insurance costs--which would total at least $3,500 per year. Workers estimate that these proposed concessionary demands would amount to an annual wage reduction of about $10,000.

The employers make no secret that they are demanding takebacks from the workers. Company press agents claim the changes are needed to keep the company "competitive in a recession."

Located on the Hudson River, the mill, with 870 workers, is the largest private employer in town. And with 166,000 acres of woodlands in the Adirondack mountains for its private exploitation, Finch, Pruyn surely counts as one of New York State's largest private landowners.

The company claims that the health insurance co-payments demanded are reasonable. And the local newspaper repeats the company line that insurance was "free" to the workers under the old contract. A number of strikers have pointed out that the insurance was actually paid as part of their overall compensation--no "freer" than any other part of their pay--and the massive jump in the co-payment deducted weekly is a pay cut.

Police presence outside the plant and the private security firms brought in for the strike have created an aura of tension on the picket lines. Already several pickets have been arrested and one was struck by a car driven by a private security guard leaving the plant.

Eric Simpson is a meat packer in Miami. Tom Simpson contributed to this article.  
 
 
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