Nearly 70 Days Later, BS&B Workers Still Waiting For Contract Agreement

Workers at Tulsa’s BS&B, a plant that makes high-pressure safety valves, say they haven’t had a contract since August 7th of last year.

For some who have been on the job 30 to 40 years, they say it’s the first time they’ve gone without one.

Management met with union representatives a couple of weeks ago, but those reportedly led nowhere.

Workers have been out demonstrating nearly every day for 69 days.

6/27/2018 Related Story:  One Month Into Demonstrations, BS&B Employees Say They Hope To Avoid Strike

“It’s stressful and it’s frustrating, but also, at the same time, I think we’re all thankful that we have the opportunity to stand up and fight for something we believe in and not back down,” said union president Michael Stroup.

Workers say they still have community support.

“It’s just crazy the steps we’ve had to take and where we’re at right now,” said Stroup.

Their latest step, a large billboard right in front of the building, which says “Missing:  Fair Contract.”

Earlier in the demonstrations, we asked company management to discuss their side of the situation, but they refused to comment.

“I’m very surprised,” said Stroup.  “I figured they would at least want to give a statement and, you know, get their side of the story, but as you see, silence is the answer we get.”

BS&B’s Human Resources department says they aren’t authorized to issue a statement.

The union is asking for better benefits and has called in a federal mediator to hopefully sort it out.  That meeting is set for September 19th and 20th.