HAZELWOOD — Clayton-based Graybar reached a tentative labor deal with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, ending a two-week strike.
The company — which distributes electrical, communications, data networking and industrial products — experienced a 15-day walkout of more than 40 local drivers and warehouse workers. The Teamsters said workers ratified the new agreement Monday.
The workers walked out in late February after six months of negotiations failed to yield a contract. They complained that the company’s proposed wage hikes didn’t match inflation and called on Graybar to admit them to the company’s profit-sharing program.
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The company said in a statement that the tentative deal addresses both groups’ key concerns. The union said the deal includes an 18% hourly wage increase over the course of the four-year contract and a $1,500 ratification bonus.
“This was a tough but noble fight,” Chris Tongay, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 688 said in a statement. “From the very start, these workers knew they were standing up for what was right. The successful of this contract underscore the strength and unity of Teamsters to win a better workplace.”