Hope for Volvo Strikers

By Candice Nelson
WSLS10 Reporter
Published: March 8, 2008

 
  Despite the cold weather and whipping winds, the Volvo strikers might have something to look forward to. Contract negotiations are under way.

  “We haven’t received any word yet from the team. We assume the talks are going fairly smoothly, as smooth as they could go,“ said Steve Saul, a union member.

  Knowing these negotiators are working, the men and woman on strike say it has boosted their morale.

  “As soon as we heard everybody’s going back to the table, you know, it made it better for everybody. You know, we’ve been out here for five weeks,“ said Kevin Turman.

  Since that time, union workers say they’ve received a lot of support from area businesses.
  Ten On Your Side talked to Volvo. A company representative said they can’t make a comment while negotiators are working. But the union tells us about a dozen people are meeting in Charlotte, even on weekends, until they can reach an agreement. That could take hours or days.
  “It’ll be an ongoing bargaining session, and we’re very confident our bargaining team will bring back the best possible contract,“ said Saul.

  But the men and women are asking for a contract that provides health and safety on the job, retiree healthcare, and other benefits.

  “They’re going to take it as far as they can get. Hopefully they’ll bring us back something good and we’ll all vote on it,“ said Turman.