Chicago Heights Sewage Plant Workers Strike

Half of the 26 Thorn Creek Basin Sanitary District workers are on strike for the first time since the plant opened in 1928, Sun-Times Media reports. Workers have been without a contract since 2010, leading to the strike. 

The strike has lasted for two weeks—with no sign of resolution. 

Health care premiums are at the crux of negotiations, according to Teamster Local 705 Contract Administrator Neil Messino. Management does not currently contribute anything, but is asking union members to pay 20 percent. The plant's Executive Director Jennifer A. Hindel, however, says pay raises were issued to workers to help offset premiums.

But the employees striking—mostly trained electricians and maintenance men—aren't buying it.

"All we want is a fair contract," said Rick Rohe, agent for Teamsters Local 705. 

Negotiations have been ongoing, and the workers have reduced their demands four times already, Rohe said.  A 20 percent contribution to health insurance would be, "a lot for these guys," he said. 

The Chicago Heights site is responsible for processing the sewage produced by over 100,000 Homewood, Chicago Heights, Park Forest, South Chicago Heights, Steger and Crete residents. Hindel says the strike will not affect operations.

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