Union disputes continue at MWV's paperboard mill in Covington, Virginia, as Jan. 19 contract talks loom

Jan 7, 2010 — Forestweb

LOS ANGELES, January 7, 2010 (Forestweb) — Despite last October's election at the MeadWestvaco Corp. (MWV) paperboard mill in Covington, Virginia, when workers officially chose one of two competing unions, those unions continue their dispute even as contract talks approach this month, The Roanoke Times reported Jan. 7.

Covington Paperworkers Union (CPU) Local 675 won the election over rival United Steelworkers (USW) Local 8-675 to represent nearly 900 workers. However, the unions continue to bicker over various issues.

CPU is also unhappy with MWV, saying the Richmond, Virginia-based company promised to begin withholding CPU union dues from members' paychecks but has not followed through. CPU has filed a complaint alleging unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), reported The Roanoke Times.

Late December, CPU filed a lawsuit against USW International to regain possession of the union hall in Covington and other materials. The suit alleges USW Local 8-675 removed furnishings, records and historical photos from the hall.

CPU said USW locked up the building, said to be owned by Union Properties, according to the lawsuit, reported The Roanoke Times.

The company and union are tentatively set to begin contract negotiations on Jan. 19.

Roy Hall, CPU president, said he believes MWV has failed to honor an agreement to deduct union dues because it wants to gain leverage as the parties enter those talks, the Times reported. Hall said MWV also withheld union dues during much of the time when USW in power.

MeadWestvaco spokesperson Becky Johnson said about the dues dispute that the company is not permitted to discuss items currently under review by the NLRB.

The two unions have contested for power since the CPU split from the USW in October 2007. CPU won a third election in October and became the NLRB-certified local bargaining unit.

Although Hall called for healing, USW International representative Luis Mendoza talked about continuing to support the USW local's organizing efforts.

The primary source of this article is The Roanoke Times, Roanoke, Virginia, on Jan. 7, 2010.

All news reports are copyrighted by the respective papers.