(ENFIELD, Conn) – A group of 20 i-Health workers in Enfield, Conn., represented by Teamsters Local 671 picketed with allies throughout the community against the corporation’s unfair labor practices (ULPs).
In March, i-Health workers voted to join the Teamsters. They were forced last week to authorize a strike by the company’s refusal to bargain in good faith for a fair contract. After two days on the picket line, i-Health illegally fired 11 Teamsters and one temporary worker.
“It’s almost unbelievable that i-Health is doing this to us so close to the holidays,” said Augustin Ayala, an i-Health worker. “They might try to break our spirit, but they will fail.”
Workers at i-Health have been on the picket line for over a week. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal joined them to share his support in their fight against this greedy corporation.
“Big corporations cannot be allowed to exploit their workers. Americans are in solidarity with these workers because they’re on the right side of fairness,” Sen. Blumenthal said.
i-Health is a subsidiary of DSM-Firmenich, a multibillion-dollar corporation based in Switzerland and the Netherlands. The Teamsters have filed two ULP charges against the company for its illegal assault on its workers’ rights.
“i-Health’s management should be ashamed of themselves for how horribly they’re treating their workers,” said Anthony Lepore, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 671. “We are ready to do whatever it takes to get these workers the contract that they deserve.”
Teamsters Local 671 represents workers in transportation, construction, and many other industries throughout Central Connecticut. For more information, go to Teamsters671.com.
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