Teamsters Local 107 Scaffolders Strike for Fair Treatment and Job Security at BrandSafway

Scaffolders at BrandSafway Demand Fair Contracts

In a significant move advocating for worker rights, scaffolders at BrandSafway have begun an unfair labor practice strike, representing the Teamsters Local 107 union. The decision to strike comes after a unanimous vote by union members, reflecting widespread discontent over the company's refusal to negotiate fair contracts that ensure job security and adequate protections for its workforce within the Philadelphia tri-state area.

Founded over four decades ago, the Teamsters Local 107 has a long history of representing workers at BrandSafway, previously known as Safway Group. The current situation has escalated following Brand Energy and Infrastructure's acquisition of Safway, leading to a shift in management approaches during contract negotiations. Workers allege that the company has withheld essential information and even threatened to relocate jobs unless they accepted unfavorable terms.

Bill Hamilton, the President of Local 107, has voiced strong concerns about the ongoing situation. He emphasized, "We've had members at this company since 1981, and we've always been able to protect their seniority and job security through fair bargaining. Now, the company is forcing us to win those protections on the picket line."

The scaffolders’ strike centers around a proposed three-year contract, which aims to safeguard their seniority and job security—conditions that have been increasingly threatened amidst management's push for concessions. Additionally, union members are seeking improved pay and pension benefits in light of their sacrifices during the COVID-19 pandemic, which have now prompted a resurgence in BrandSafway's profitability.

Ed Gentry, a dedicated forklift driver at BrandSafway for 27 years, expressed the urgency of their cause: "BrandSafway just had its most profitable year. We are out on strike for our careers and our families' futures. We won't let this company take away our jobs, our union, or our dignity." His sentiments echo the broader frustrations shared among his colleagues, who feel that their loyalty and hard work have been overshadowed by the company's current negotiational stance.

The union's resolve is clear: the scaffolding professionals will remain on the picket line until BrandSafway management agrees to meet at the negotiation table with fair proposals, ensuring their roles and benefits are secured. As the strike gains momentum, it serves as a critical reminder of the challenges faced by labor unions in the fight for equitable work conditions and respect from corporate entities.

In Pennsylvania, Teamsters Local 107 continues to advocate for workers across various sectors, standing firm against practices that undermine their rights. For more information on the ongoing fight and support for the cause, visit teamsterslocal107.org.