BREAKING NEWS: Locked Out Union Workers Receive Unemployment
Workers who were locked out at Dichello a month ago have begun to receive their unemployment checks.
There was jubilation on the picket line today as Teamsters from Dichello Distributors who were locked out over a labor dispute five weeks ago, began seeing unemployment payment deposits in their bank accounts.
The Union employees have made it clear from day-one that they were not on strike, but rather had been locked out after contract talks with the company went sour.
A PR agency for Dichello Distributors sent a letter signed by COO Edward Crowley to all of their customers stating that the workers were on strike and that the "strike" would not affect the deliveries.
"The fact that we're getting checks proves that we did not walk out. We are not on strike. They locked us out over a contract dispute," said Union Steward George Burns.
On Tuesday, the workers told Patch that they were approved for unemployment, but asked that we did not widely advertise it until they actually saw the money.
We have not received any comment from the company beyond the press release that came out last week. Patch has invited the company leaders and workers who are still on the job inside to talk to us on camera, but no one has accepted our offer.
Anthony Astorino
9:08 pm on Thursday, April 14, 2011
Ed Crowley is nothing but a Liar, always has been and always will be. He came here from St Louis with the intention of breaking the Union.. He has done nothing but cut,cut,cut since day 1.
Ken Lenz
1:34 pm on Friday, April 15, 2011
Good news for the DD employees. It's kind of harsh for Anthony to write that Ed Crowley is nothing but a liar. While I agree completely, he's also rich, devious and politically-connected. That's a bad opponent for the Teamsters Union. I hope he realizes that these employees have done a lot for the company in the past, can continue to do so in the future, and he comes back to the bargaining table. It's disgraceful for Dichello and Budweiser to be attempting to break a union that wants to work.
Mark
2:28 pm on Friday, April 15, 2011
Crowley needs to get back on the ground! Hes so high on power that hes lost touch with what really matters hes got a good life nice home nicer Yacht! A company that will make him lots of money. He needs to stop all this madness and enjoy what he has he can take care of his employees like the Dichello family has done for many years and sit back and enjoy life! after all how much money do you need and what good is it if you cant enjoy it
Robin
12:06 pm on Saturday, April 16, 2011
Congratulations to all of the workers on their small victory. As much as I wish they would agree on a decent contract and go back to work, I'm relieved (as I'm sure they are) to see they are getting their unemployment as they should.
RIck George
1:16 pm on Saturday, April 16, 2011
Congrats to the workers and their families upon receiving benefits they certainly deserve them!