Union Plans Rally in Support of Striking Cretex Workers

Laborers Local 563, the union supporting dozens of Cretex Companies' workers on strike in Skakopee, will hold a rally at 10 a.m. Aug. 6 on the picket line.

Members of Laborers Local 563 went on strike June 19 after negotiations on a new contract for 38 members broke down because of a Cretex proposal to stop company contributions to workers’ pensions and offer a company match to 401(k) contributions instead. 

According to the Union Advocate, Tim Mackey, the union’s business manager, said the demonstration is part of the ongoing effort to increase public awareness of Cretex's low-hitting tactics:

“We aren’t going to quit this fight,” Mackey told Union Advocate. “We are in this until our workers are satisfied with their benefits and the treatment they receive in the workplace.”

Cretex manufactures reinforced concrete products, such as manhole covers and sewer pipe, at its Shakopee facility. According to the Union Advocate, strikers said Cretex's proposal to go to a 401(k) match would amount to a $4 per hour pay decrease. 

In all, the company is proposing to match 50 percent of the first 6 percent of employee 401(k) contribution. That would shift more of the risk onto the employee, according to analysis from The Segal Group.

The Aug. 6 event is being called the "Stand Up for Cretex Workers Rally," andwill be held at 7070 Cretex Ave. S. in Shakopee. Public officials in support of the strikers will also be in attendance.

Related on Patch:

• Cretex Workers Strike, Air Radio Ads to Boost Support
• Say Cretex Workers On Strike in Shakopee, It's Not Fair
• Update: Striking Cretex Workers Crowd Shakopee City Hall
• Cretex Workers in Shakopee Remain On Strike