New York Times Weighs In On Caterpillar Strike And Other Headlines

A “test case” pitting private labor unions against industrial giant Caterpillar is unfolding in Peoria, Ill. Could it happen here?

From Monday’s New York Times story:

Despite earning a record $4.9 billion profit last year and projecting even better results for 2012, the company is insisting on a six-year wage freeze and a pension freeze for most of the 780 production workers at its factory here. Caterpillar says it needs to keep its labor costs down to ensure its future competitiveness.

The company’s stance has angered the workers, who went on strike 12 weeks ago. “Considering the offer they gave us, it’s a strike we had to have,” said Albert Williams, a 19-year Caterpillar employee, as he picketed in 99-degree heat outside the plant, which makes hydraulic parts and systems essential for much of the company’s earth-moving machinery.

Check out the piece on the ongoing strike here.

And check out these other headlines:

• Caterpillar To Sell Part Of Bucyrus Business (Business Week)
• Insurance Expected To Cover Fireworks Damage (Oak Creek Patch)
• Brewers Promote Former Oak Creek Star (Oak Creek Patch)

Also, there was a small basement fire at 102 Lake Drive in South Milwaukee on Sunday night, causing smoke damage throughout that floor, according to the South Milwaukee Fire Department. No one was hurt.

And NOW has published a new police blotter, including this item …

A 76-year-old woman from the 800 block of Manitoba Avenue called police about 8:10 a.m. July 20 to report a skunk was in her front yard with a yogurt cup on its head.