Workers at Ash Grove Cement in Midlothian, Texas, voted 65-25 in favor of unionizing with the Boilermakers after a swift organizing campaign that began just a month ago.
The rapid success of the campaign is especially remarkable in a notoriously anti-union, right-to-work state like Texas. Carlos Brooks, Southeast Organizing Coordinator, M.O.R.E Work Investment Fund, gives credit to the Ash Grove workers.
“They educated their coworkers and kept them engaged throughout the process,” says Brooks, who led the campaign along with Southeast Organizer, M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund Edwin Allen. “They stood strong early on and remained strong throughout the campaign. I was personally impressed, because they all made sure everyone in every department got all the information we provided. Everyone was involved.”
This is the most involved Brooks has seen workers engage and invest themselves in an organizing campaign. He attributes this to their knowledge about Boilermakers’ representation in other Ash Grove Cement facilities and being educated about how workers at those facilities have negotiated contracts with terms and conditions that met their needs.
Turnout for informational meetings and all campaign-related events was the highest Brooks has experienced. For the vote itself, 90 workers out of the 97-worker bargaining unit showed up to cast their votes.
“They were in it together from start to finish, through it all. They showed what solidarity really means,” Brooks says.
“I am thrilled that our Southeast Organizers have brought another Ash Grove Cement facility into the Boilermaker Family,” says Jeff Campbell, International Vice President-Southeast Area. “The hard work and organizing success of Brother Brooks and his team in the Southeast is amazing.”
Brooks and the organizing team are not resting on their success in Midlothian. After the vote tally came in, another Texas cement facility called and Brooks was on his way.
“Midlothian is the Cement Capital of Texas,” he explained. “If we can get another one organized in Texas, we can get many more.”