Workers strike at can-making plant in Kingsburg

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.fresnobee.com/170/story/718356.html

By Robert Rodriguez / The Fresno Bee
07/09/08 00:02:49

KINGSBURG -- More than 50 employees of Silgan Containers, a company that makes and supplies metal cans for the Del Monte plant in Kingsburg, walked off the job Tuesday morning in a dispute over the workers' contract.

Silgan officials could not be reached for comment Tuesday, but employee Thomas Call said he and other members of Teamsters Local 948 went out on strike over issues that include the company's offers on wages, medical insurance and pension benefits.

The workers' contract expired July 1.

The Silgan containers are used for peaches and tomatoes and are manufactured at the plant, which is next to the Del Monte factory.

Call, a mechanic, said the strikers include machine operators, forklift drivers and mechanics.

Sam Martinez, principal officer with the union, said that while negotiations continue, the workers will remain on the picket line until both sides reach an agreement.

FULL story at link.