SMART Local 73 membership votes to approve a tentative agreement June 7 with SMACNA Greater Chicago. Membership voted down a previous contract May 31, prompting a strike. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer
By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com
HILLSIDE — SMART Local 73 President Rocco Terranova was happy to announce, “We have a contract!”
The news came shortly after ballots were counted June 7 at the Union Hall in Hillside for the third contract proposal between the union and Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) of Greater Chicago. Here you can have a peek at these guys to get air conditioning services.
There where 1,166 votes cast, with five spoiled ballots. Final tally: 1,060 accepted the proposed contract; 101 rejected the proposed contract. The contract is effective from June 1, 2016 through May 31, 2019.
After the second and final contract was voted down May 31 by the union membership, the union issued a strike notice effective June 1, affecting about 2,500 of its roughly 4,500 members and about 200 of its signatory contractors. On the union’s Facebook page, a post indicated members working at jobs with Project Labor Agreements were allowed to work, per their agreements.
SMART Local 73 members hold the strike line June 2 in Franklin Park for the second day. Members went on strike May 31 against SMACNA Greater Chicago after voting down its second and final offer May 31. A third agreement was voted on and approved June 7. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer
On the second day of the strike, Terranova stressed to contractors and members calling his office that both sides were committed to meeting. “I told [SMACNA] I’m available 24/7. Our door is open,” he said.
Both sides soon got together — at 10 a.m. on the third day of the strike to re-open discussions. By late afternoon, both sides reached a tentative contract proposal and Terranova authorized all pickets to be taken down and instructed members to return to work.
Union painters from Painters District Council 14 are proud to stand in solidarity with their fellow SMW Brothers and Sisters by honoring SMART Local 73’s picket. Photo courtesy of Painters District Council 14
The union was prepared to return to the strike line June 8 if the proposal was rejected.
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Terranova has been through a strike, in the 1980s, and knows a strike isn’t good for the industry. “No body ever wins with a strike — but our members spoke, and as union reps, we have to represent them the best we can,” he said.
Preliminary meetings started in January and Terranova said both sides were in constant contact for the last two months. He was pleased that other Sheet Metal locals were standing in solidarity with them.
During the strike, Terranova believed other building trades were honoring the strike. “To the best of our knowledge, unions are honoring the strike.”