Physical plant workers may go on strike

Physical Plant workers substantiated rumors that the union-affiliated operating engineers of stationary local 835 will go on strike when their contracts expire on Sunday if the University and workers cannot agree on terms for a new contract. Physical Plant Executive Director Jim Wargo -- who is involved in negotiations with the University -- explained that the operating engineers are currently under a contract which includes a no-strike provision. But he added that when the contract expires at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday morning, the operating engineers will no longer be under a contract to prevent them from striking. Wargo would not discuss specifics of the grievances which are preventing the two parties from agreeing on a new contract, nor would he speculate whether the negotiations could result in a strike. "We don't negotiate in the paper," he explained. But one operating engineer said the grievances over the proposed contract concerned "everything" -- from pay and benefits to vacation time. "If it's not what we want, we will walk," one worker said. The workers requested anonymity due to the "tense" nature of the situation. The operating engineers are responsible for the repair and maintenance of everything from steam line systems, labs and offices to small construction projects around the University. They work in some capacity with most campus buildings, and even deal with buildings that are located off campus. Operating engineers speculated that the University could continue its normal services "for a short period of time" if they were to go on strike. But they explained that they have some leverage in the negotiating process because it would be difficult for the University to function in the long term without the 182 members of local 835. The union leaders responsible for organizers of the operating engineers would not comment on the exact standing of the negotiations between the members of local 835 and the University. "Talks are still going on," Organizer and Hazmat Instructor Anthony Natale said.