May 13, 2013
By Neal Tepel
Arlington, Texas – UAW's organizing drive was successful in Texas. Workers at the Flex-N-Gate plant in Arlington, Texas voted overwhelmingly to join the United Auto Workers.
Cindy Estrada, UAW vice-president said that workers at Flex-N-Gate’s non-union plants, including the one in Arlington, are paid about $10 an hour even if the have more than ten years of service.
The company, which also does business as Ventra, Masterguard, and Guardian West, had more than $3 billion in revenue in 2011, but pays workers at its non-union plants near poverty wages.
“We hope that through this election we can establish a relationship with Flex-N-Gate that best benefits the workers,” said Estrada, who leads the union’s Competitive Shop/Independents, Parts and Suppliers Department. “We look forward to this paving the way to show Flex-N-Gate that there is indeed added value for everyone when workers join the UAW.”
In 2010, the UAW lost a representation election at the Arlington plant, but the National Labor Relations Board found that the company had committed unfair labor practices.
