As previously reported, 60 workers at Belshaw Adamatic Bakery Group in Auburn, Wash., went on strike after they made concessions that would save the company $20,000 per month and the company refused to share a portion of the savings with workers through increased salaries. The workers, members of the Machinists (IAM) Local 79, rejected the last offer from the company on May 10, and the company has hired replacement workers to fill 39 of the 60 jobs.

IAM is now calling upon supporters of the striking workers to send a letter to Belshaw asking them to do the right thing and work with the workers in good faith.  The text of the letter:

To Whom It Must Concern:

I have followed the news of the struggle of the Belshaw workers on strike in Auburn, Wash., and I am writing to express my outrage at the behavior of Belshaw Adamatic Bakery Group in negotiations, it is clear that management is bargaining in bad faith.

Along with all union members affiliated with IndustriALL Global Union, I strongly support the demands of the IAM representatives at Belshaw for a fair set of employment conditions for the workers. It is unacceptable that the company has accepted the medical plan proposed by the workers while refusing to share the cost savings with them.

I am asking you to do what is just and fair; demand good faith bargaining with the representatives of the Belshaw workers so that there may be labor peace once again at Belshaw Adamatic Bakery Group in Auburn, Wash.