THE VIEW FROM OKLAHOMA: Union rejects Mercury's offer

SOURCE: Stillwater NewsPress

On Sunday, Mercury Marine's union workers in Wisconsin overwhelmingly voted no to the seven-year wage and benefits contract proposal offered by Mercury Marine.

Mercury management instructed workers that approval of the proposal would be necessary to keep Mercury in Fond du Lac, Wis.

As a result of the vote by Local #1947 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the company said it will begin consolidation of its Fond du Lac manufacturing operations, which employs around 1,900 people, with expansion of current Stillwater facility operations.

“We appreciate the patient support of our employees and communities as we’ve gone through this process,” said Mark Schwabero, president of Mercury Marine. “This has been a very difficult and stressful process for all involved. We will work closely with our team in Fond du Lac to develop and communicate a transition plan for this 24-36 month process.”

The vote is a strong signal from the union that cannot be overlooked, said Larry Brown, president of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.

However, said Brown, it cannot be ignored that the union retains the opportunity to vote again until Aug. 29.

The union accelerated the vote to Sunday ahead of its Saturday deadline, said Steve Fleming, communications director for Mercury Marine.

“While we are quite happy by this vote, by no stretch of the imagination is this process over yet,” said Brown.

The union could be playing political mind games with the company and communities, said Brown.

“They could vote no today to send some sort of message to community and Mercury management," he said, "and turn around tomorrow to vote yes.”

Regardless, said Brown, the battle continues on behalf of Stillwater and MerCruiser employees.

“We will keep fighting until it’s decided … We are a non-union facility. We are a right to work state. We will continue to work with Mercury management … to make sure the best option for future growth and economic viability for the company is Stillwater, Oklahoma.”

In limbo is the potential infusion of up to 600 additional jobs into the community, said Josh McKim, director of Economic Development for the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.

If the union wanted to reopen negotiations, said Fleming, “as of now, we would talk.”

However, said Fleming, it is unlikely the proposal to the union would change.

President Schwabero said, ‘The contract is what it is because that is what is needed,’” he said.

According to Fleming, “It’s disappointing the union voted no … Somehow the seriousness of the proposal was not completely conveyed to those voting.”

Regardless of vote outcome, said Fleming, disappointment was assured given the potential impact within Stillwater and Fond du Lac communities.

Efforts to secure a local Mercury presence will continue, said Brown.