At Kraton’s Belpre, Ohio Facility, long-time Worker Brandon Burnfield reached out to the United Steelworkers (USW) Union after enduring a decade of mounting challenges at the Polymer Supplier.

The final blow came when the company froze pensions and eliminated Sunday premiums and double-time pay.

“That was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” said Burnfield, who’s worked at Kraton for 15 years.

The 200 Workers employed at the facility - Mechanics, Instrument Technicians, Operators and more - filed for a Union Election.

In late September, they voted overwhelmingly to join the USW.

“I want the plant to thrive, but I also want us to be treated fairly,” Burnfield said. “We are the commodity there and I look forward to bargaining a first fair contract.”

This victory follows another success in the Chemical Sector, where 24 Workers employed at Dow in Hayward, California voted nearly unanimously to join the USW.

The Dow Workers, who produce Behr paint and serve as Operators, Maintenance Staff and Warehouse Workers, were eager to gain more structure, consistency and balance in their workplace.

International Secretary-Treasurer Myles Sullivan, who leads bargaining in the Chemical Sector, said: “We are proud to welcome these Workers at Kraton and Dow into our USW Family. Their courage and solidarity made these victories possible, and I want to thank everyone who stood together throughout these campaigns. We look forward to supporting them as they bargain fair first contracts that reflect the respect and dignity they deserve.”

To Directly Access This Organizing Labor News Story, Go To: USW Welcomes New Members in the Chemical Sector - United Steelworkers