Borgers employees will go back to work

NORWALK — The strike is over. Workers at Borgers USA have decided to return to work Sunday after 10 days on the picket line. "They are going back Sunday morning," said Carlos Ginard, Chicago and Midwest Regional Joint Board of Workers United (CMRJB) assistant manager. "They decided to go back to work and continue the fight from there." There were no strikers out Sunday morning. The only thing that remained was a couple of burn barrels. "We are pleased that the CMRJB union has made the decision to end this senseless strike and to have employees return to work," said Gary Smith, human resource manager at Borgers. "The strike was unnecessary and did not benefit anyone, and Borgers Ohio, Inc. is happy to have our valued employees back at work. Striking employees are expected to return to work on Monday, February 1, 2021 at their regularly scheduled shift. "The vast majority of Borgers employees continued to work during the strike and there was no disruption of our operations." Ginard said workers would have to vote on the union to keep the process going. "We are still in this with them," Ginard said. "I can't tell you how much we appreciate everything that everybody did for us. Sen. (Sherrod) Brown and Congressman (Tim) Ryan were a big help. And all of the people in the area stepped up to help us out. "We had people drop off coffee and cookies, and we got so much firewood. We can't thank the people enough for their support." Workers at the Tier 1 auto-parts supplier voted to authorize a union recognition strike on Jan. 18 and went on strike at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 21. They said the strike was over pay, respect and benefits and are looking to form a union with the help of the CMRJB. Ryan and Norwalk Mayor Dave Light spoke at a rally Wednesday morning. "It's about community," Ryan said. "This is about caring about each other. It's about working so you can pay your property taxes to your school, so our kids can get a good education. It's about paying you and making sure you have access to health care. ... I don't think that's too much to ask in the United States. "I'm proud of you that you are out here ... it's not just about you. It's going to be difficult." Light talked about his years working a union job at Norwalk Furniture right out of high school then working in a union with the Norwalk Police Department. He then became chief and is now mayor. He has been on both sides of the bargaining table. "It was all about communication. We would talk, give and take ... get a contract in a couple of afternoons," Light said. "The fact you are out here in 26-degree weather makes a statement. So I applaud your efforts. "I have offered with the company to sit down at a neutral location ... and talk about this because this benefits no one. I am grateful Borgers is here providing jobs, however, you work to drive and you drive to work. You have to be able to eat, also, and provide for your family." "When I heard about some of your hourly wages I don't know how you do it." Ginard said the workers didn't get much feedback from the company. "To me, that is a little insulting that they don't even want to respond," he said at the rally. "I think we would respect them if they said 'no,' or anything. Come on, say something. The only thing they say is threatening... they are violating labor law. "It is so unfortunate what is going on here. It's like a blanket disrespect ... to disregard everyone." Ginard said the CMRJB represents between 14,000 and 15,000 workers in the Midwest and more than 100,000 around the country.