Journal video/ Andrew Dickerman
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence longshoremen picketed Sims Metal recycling yard on Allens Avenue on Thursday, saying that crane operator and loading jobs are not being given to local union members.
Picketing as a ship was being loaded with scrap metal, Raymond Silva, one of the protesters, said that 20 jobs were at stake.
Sims spokesman Daniel Strechay issued the following statement later Thursday on behalf of Sims Metal Management:
"Our company uses both union and non-labor contractors at sites across the country. We maintain the same high safety standards at all of our facilities for employees and contractors alike, and we cannot condone a lowering of those standards. The heart of the matter here is purely a safety issue. The company has a letter of understanding with International Longshoremen's (ILA) Locals 1329 and 2001 that dates back to March 31, 2012, but the union has so far failed to meet the requirements they agreed to in the document."
Strechay adds, "Our company uses both union and non-labor contractors at sites across the country. We maintain the same high safety standards at all of our facilities for employees and contractors alike, and we cannot condone a lowering of those standards. The heart of the matter here is purely a safety issue. The company has a letter of understanding with International Longshoremen’s (ILA) Locals 1329 and 2001 that dates back to March 31, 2012, but the union has so far failed to meet the requirements they agreed to in the document. The below provision has not been met and currently prevents us from using the Longshoremen to load ships: "2) When loading vessels for Sims, personnel provided by the Local (“personnel”) will be bound by and will follow all the rules and procedures of Sims. Before being allowed to work at Sims, personnel must attend a Sims safety orientation and must successfully complete a pre-employment physical (including a drug screen.)” (Letter of Understanding with ILA Local Union No. 1329, Section 2., March 31, 2012) "In this letter of understanding, the company goes as far as to name the ILA Locals as the preferred supplier of crane operators to operate the cranes on board ship and timekeepers during the loading of vessels. We are happy to work with the ILA once they have met our rigorous safety training standards. Our goal is to ensure the safety all people at our sites, not just our employees, but also the safety of our contractors and visitors. "This picketing activity will have no impact on our operations or ship loading activity."
Updated February 21, 2013 5:18 PM