Somerville mayor offered to help during labor dispute
Mayor Joseph Curtatone spoke with both sides during a labor dispute this week between Angelica Corp. - which makes hospital linens - and more than 400 workers at the company's plant on Innerbelt Road to offer help in resolving the issue.
"I think it's in the spirit of trying to encourage an amicable, reasonable, fair resolution for all parties," Curtatone said. "I'm a strong supporter of labor but I understand the needs of management as well."
The workers went on strike last week, demanding a $1 increase to all hourly wages, as well as expanded health coverage and a better pension deal. They began picketing outside the plant last Thursday, keeping it up for the next four days from 6 a.m. until midnight.
They ratified a new contract on Tuesday, which included an hourly raise of roughly 45 cents in 2011, as well as a higher employer contribution to the pension plan and to health insurance costs, according to Fernando Lemus, a negotiator for the workers.
In addition, the company agreed to provide $250 per week in maternity leave coverage for up to 12 weeks, Lemus said.
Curtatone said the United Food and Commercial Worker's Union, Local 1445, which represents the Angelica workers, tipped him off before the strike.
"They suggested I might give a call to [Angelica]," he said, adding that he left messages with the company's negotiators, offering "anything that I could do to help facilitate or be an intermediary."
A representative for the Atlanta-based company thanked him for the overture after the settlement was reached, Curtatone said.
Most of the Angelica workers on strike were Latino immigrants, and Curtatone said he has a lot of sympathy for new arrivals in the labor force.
"I have a lot of respect for people who pick up for another part of the world," said Curtatone, whose parents both immigrated to the US. "I have a real soft spot for that."
He said that his administration works hard to engage the immigrant community at all times.
"We have a strong reputation and record on it," he said.
The city announced on Monday that Curtatone has joined the English Works Mayors Circle, a partnership between mayors and the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition urging businesses to invest in English language courses for their workers.
"“I’m proud to join this campaign, and to work with local businesses to increase diversity in our community’s workforce,” Curtatone said in a written statement.
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