Martell, Calif. - SierraPine employees in Martell, California, represented by Carpenters Local 2927, went on strike at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, August 23, 2012, without notice to the Employer. The parties have been engaged in collective bargaining for the past five months, including the use of an Oakland mediator. As a result of the Union’s specific request, SierraPine presented its Last, Best and Final Contract Offer to the Union on August 17, 2012. The Company’s offer represented a careful analysis of our competitive position, and contained changes needed to allow SierraPine to compete with out-of-state competitors that do not have the same high electric rates, high cost raw materials or the more onerous wage and hour regulatory environment that increases Martell’s cost structure. Even under the last offer, wages and benefits are among the best in the area.

We are very disappointed that the Union and our employees have chosen to take this action, but we respect their right to do so. SierraPine intends to operate during the strike to continue to serve our customers, and we have plans in place to allow us to do so. We remain hopeful that the strike will be short-lived given the negative impact a strike will have on our Company, our employees, customers and our community.

SierraPine employs more than 60 union and 17 non-union employees in Martell, California. The Company is a privately held composite panel manufacturer of medium density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard, with operations in Georgia, Oregon and California.

Source: SierraPine