Which Side Are You On?

“The Larkspur Ferry Terminal was blocked by a picket line of ironworkers, teamsters, electricians, boatmen and women, ferry captains, laborers, and mechanics. These workers, who run and maintain the Golden Gate Bridge, Buses and Ferries were protesting to defend their health benefits and conditions.

More than 380 union workers employed by the Golden Gate Bridge District have been negotiating more than one year without reaching an agreement, even though management admits the unions have granted monetary and benefit concessions that exceed the District’s demands. What is the holdup? Management, led by General Manager Denis Mulligan, is now on a campaign to force a form of health benefit premium sharing that will penalize employees with families. The workers are fighting to keep their health care affordable for families. Management is also demanding cuts in current retirees’ vested health care benefits.”

—A Film by Expert in a Box Video www.youtube.com/expertinaboxvideo

Photos, features, and more worker news at http://www.GoldenGateJustice.org

Strike at Golden Gate Ferry

Photo credit: Allan G. Smorra

Today was another day of action for Golden Gate Bridge, Bus, and Ferry workers as members of 19 Unions joined the Inland Boatmen’s Union as they had a one-day strike at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal. At issue is a new contract and a fight to keep healthcare affordable for current employees and retirees.

The Union Coalition has offered concessions worth $2 million dollars and has been told by management that the District’s financial needs have been met. The District is insisting on principle, not on economic need, that Union members should be forced into a healthcare premium sharing plan that unfairly burdens families with the highest cost. The District is also insisting on reducing retiree vested healthcare benefits.

Last July non-union employees received a pay raise and union employees were told that they would not receive the raise or back pay if they did not accept the District offer by the end of June 2011.

Stay tuned for updates to this ongoing story.