Centralia union workers picket during contract negotiations

CENTRALIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Union workers at a Centralia factory picketed Thursday as negotiators with Hubbell Power Systems and the union worked on a new contract.

A union representative said workers have had little time off. Jessie Montgomery, vice president with the Local 86821 International Union for Electric Workers - Communication Workers of America, said Hubbell workers have had to work 19 days in a row followed by two days off for the majority of the year.

According to Montgomery, the workers aren't getting the same benefits as others in the area.

"The union workers are very overworked and underpaid," Montgomery said. "The company is (unable) to staff and pay comparable wages with like jobs in the area."

A spokeswoman with Hubbell confirmed the company was working with the union on worker contract negotiations. The director of corporate communication said Hubbell does not discuss ongoing negotiations.

Montgomery said he hoped Thursday would be the last day of bargaining. It's unclear if the union workers would go on strike if a deal isn't reached.

Hubbell employs more than 1,500 people at its Centralia location. The facility houses manufacturing plants and a distribution center.