Talbott To Address Steelworkers First Time Mayor, Who Calls For Resolution To Labor Dispute, Will Address Kaiser Union

Sat., May 15, 1999

By Julie Sullivan julies@spokesman.com

The 225-day labor dispute between Kaiser Aluminum and the United Steelworkers is roundly debated in many households. Spokane’s first family is no different.

Mayor John Talbott is scheduled to speak at a Steelworkers rally this morning at the KaiserTrentwood gate.

The mayor has called for a speedy resolution throughout the seven-month fight, but this is the first time he will address Steelworkers directly.

Talbott said he intends to offer words of encouragement to the nearly 2,100 Spokane-area Steelworkers locked out since January.

He’s in the unenviable position of having a family member who has crossed the picket lines. The mayor’s oldest son works as a replacement worker at the Trentwood rolling mill.

“He is 40 years old. It’s his decision,” Talbott said. “I’ve talked to the unions and they understand. He’s an adult. It’s his business.”

“We don’t hold it against him at all,” said Dan Sampson, spokesman for Steelworkers Local 338.

Union leaders say they are thrilled to receive the mayor’s attention, especially during one of the busiest weekends in the city calendar, the Lilac Festival.

The strike and subsequent lockout has put numerous Spokane families and neighbors on opposite sides of the picket line.

Talbott said he’s had “many, many” discussions about the dispute with his son, a former Air Force master sergeant who retired after 20 years. The mayor declined to disclose his son’s name.

“He retired last fall and he needed a job,” Talbott said. “It’s his choice, and I really have no further comment.”

Today’s rally was called by Steelworkers to boost morale after negotiations between union leaders and Kaiser attorneys ended this week after three days of meetings in Pittsburgh. Talks are scheduled to resume May 24 in Denver.

Besides the mayor, City Councilwoman Cherie Rodgers and state Rep. Jeff Gombosky have been invited to address Steelworkers today.

Ken Pelo, chairman of the Spokane County Democratic Party, and Val Smith, vice-chairwoman, are also expected to attend.

Plenty of Spokane County sheriff’s deputies are also likely to attend. Law enforcement is being increased in part because of increasingly threatening messages being posted on the lockout related message boards, officials said.

RALLY TODAY The rally starts at 9:30 a.m. at Sullivan Park on Sullivan Road just north of I-90 in the Spokane Valley.

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