Strike looms
at theater chain

Consolidated's workers
authorize their union to call a strike
in dispute over pay and benefits

From staff and wire reports

Consolidated Amusement Co. has canceled the union contract covering 500 employees at its movie theaters and warned today that it has the right not rehire workers who take part in a strike or picketing before May 27.

The movie chain said it will put wages and working conditions into effect Friday that were included in its last proposal to the union, the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Local 5.

Phil Shimmin, Consolidated president, said the company still hopes to get a new contract but has to introduce cuts to stay competitive in the future.

Consolidated's attorney, Richard Hand, said the company has the right to refuse to reinstate employees who walk out before the end of a 60-day period that began with an impasse notice by the union March 26.

Local 5 leader Tony Rutledge could not be reached for comment. Union officials said shop stewards at the theaters last night authorized union leaders to call a strike.

The union says it is fighting company efforts to cut pay, medical benefits and seniority.

"The proposal that we put forth to them continues to make our employees the highest paid theater employees in the state," Shimmin said. "The fact is that it's really the competitive situation that's forcing us into this."

Consolidated's wages start at $5.25 an hour, the state's minimum wage, and go to $6, he said.

He said the latest one-year contract with Local 5 expired Dec. 31. Both sides agreed to an indefinite extension, subject to cancelation by either side on 24 hours notice.

Shimmin said the company, which had 350 responses to an advertisement last weekend for new employees, will stay open with non-union personnel if Local 5 does strike.

Consolidated operates 67 movie screens at 17 locations statewide.