Kaiser workers begin to filter back into plants

Hannelore Sudermann - Staff writer

The process to get Spokane's Steelworkers back into their jobs at two plants at Kaiser Aluminum continues this week with pre-work physicals and meetings.

This week marks the first time many of the Kaiser workers have met face to face with company managers since the labor dispute between the company and the United Steelworkers of America began two years ago.

Workers at the Mead refinery in Spokane as well as the smelter in Tacoma have been taking physical examinations the past few days.

“People started going to meetings on Monday. They're telling them how jobs are restructured and what shifts they're on," said Tim Charbonneau, an officer at the Mead union hall. They may also be getting their locker assignments and identification.

“Some are getting calls (to come in), but there are a few that haven't gotten their calls yet," he said, adding that it looks like the company is processing the workers with jobs smelting the aluminum first.

He said he heard the company is trying to get the Mead Steelworkers back into the plant on Oct. 7. Kaiser officials declined to give details, adding that if workers have questions, they can contact Kaiser.

Trentwood workers are expecting to start taking physicals by Oct. 7 and return to the plant by Oct. 23.

Trentwood union hall officials said they still don't know what -- beside the physicals -- the return to work meetings will entail.

The Trentwood hall has few details about who is going back to work there. “As far as we know, nobody has gotten notice," said Wally Beck, a Trentwood officer. “But we're expecting to get notified by mail."

At Mead, the Steelworkers already know that anyone hired before March 13, 1990, will be able to go back to the plant. Those hired after that date may get laid off, but that is subject to change as the company continues to process resignations and retirements.

A final $140 weekly support check from the USWA's international office comes next week. Then Mead workers hope to get their first checks from the company on Oct. 13. Those $200 weekly checks will go to the Mead and Trentwood workers who said on Sept. 19 they were available to go back to the plants right away.

Staff writer Hannelore Sudermann can be reached at 1-509-332-3674 or by e-mail at hannelores@spokesman.com