St. Louis, MO – After months of negotiations, 42 dedicated members of Teamsters Local 688 have taken a stand by rejecting Graybar’s best, last, and final offer on Saturday, February 24. These hardworking individuals have been integral to Graybar’s success, contributing significantly to the company’s $10.5 billion in revenue.
Despite their crucial role in Graybar’s achievements, these Teamsters find themselves excluded from the company’s profit-sharing program, a privilege granted to approximately 9,400 employees nationwide. This exclusion raises questions about the fairness of the company’s compensation practices.
Teamsters Local 688 principal officer Chris Tongay said “The current starting pay for these Teamsters is significantly below industry standards in the area. After six months of negotiations, the rejection of Graybar’s final offer signals a collective dissatisfaction among the workforce with the current compensation structure”. Graybar responded Sunday, February 25, to the rejection of their contract offer by locking out these employees.
In addition to the pay disparity, employees are mandated to participate in Graybar’s health care plan, resulting in substantial bi-weekly copays of $500. For someone earning $17.50, this amounts to nearly 50% of their take-home pay. The financial burden on these workers is both unreasonable and unsustainable.
While Graybar’s headquarters is located in St. Louis, the company appears unwilling to provide a living wage to its employees. This refusal to prioritize fair compensation for its workforce, particularly considering the dedication and sacrifices of long-term employees, is a point of contention that has led to the current strike.
Teamsters Local 688 is committed to advocating for the rights and fair treatment of its members, ensuring that they receive compensation commensurate with their contributions to Graybar’s success. The strike represents a collective call for equitable wages, inclusion in profit-sharing programs, and acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by long-term employees.