Sanders offers support for Momentive strike
Last edited Fri Dec 16, 2016, 12:32 PM - Edit history (1)
Sanders offers support for Momentive strike
Cady Kuzmich
The Daily Gazette
Those who remained on the picket line outside Momentive Performance Materials in Waterford despite increasingly frigid temperatures Thursday were bolstered by news this week that one of the nation’s leading progressive figures, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, supports their cause.
“At a time when corporate America is engaged in a ruthless race to the bottom, you are fighting back against efforts by a profitable company that’s trying to jack up your healthcare costs, undermine your vacation time, reduce 401(k) payments and take away healthcare benefits from retirees who worked for decades in a dangerous chemical plant environment,” wrote Sanders in his letter of support.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Senator Sanders has taken the time to read up, study the facts and show his support to 700 chemical workers trying to get a fair contract with a corporate bully,” said Dom Patrignani, president of the IUE CWA 359.
Momentive Spokeswoman Tina Reiber provided a prepared statement in reaction to Sanders' support of the strikers.
She attributed changes in health care coverage to rising healthcare costs nationwide, which she said “have forced us to take prudent steps to contain medical, dental and prescription drug costs, including shifting employees to Consumer Health Plans, which can provide savings for both employers and employees.”
