Unite builds global support for locked out Steelworkers at Honeywell

Unite took a lead role in globalizing the struggle against Honeywell during the company’s lockout of 228 workers at its USW-represented uranium processing plant in Illinois.

Unite and USW both have members employed by Honeywell.

Three Unite members connected to Honeywell participated in a demonstration in April, 2011 at Honeywell’s annual shareholders’ meeting in New Jersey.

Ian Tonks, National Officer of Unite, set up a brief meeting between company executives and USW at the end of the shareholders’ meeting.

Unite was also instrumental in arranging meetings in Brussels between a visiting USW delegation and the Honeywell European Works Council. The Honeywell European Works Council includes leaders from unions across Europe that represent Honeywell employees.

The meetings resulted in a strong statement by leaders of unions across Europe calling on Honeywell to immediately end the lockout.