Labor Dispute Looms For Chicago-Area Funeral Home Employees

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/finance/labor-dispute-looms-chicago-area-funeral-home-employees/

Friday, June 27, 2008

CHICAGO, June 27, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ ----Talks with SCI Deadlocked as Contract Deadline Approaches

Area funeral home employees face a work interruption soon as contract talks were deadlocked Friday with their employer, Service Corporation International.

The profitable company is demanding drastic concessions from employees of its Alderwoods Group Inc. The employees, who are represented by Teamsters Local 727, are being asked to take a 20 percent pay cut.

"There's only one reason a profitable, growing company to demand a 20 percent pay cut from its loyal employees," said Teamsters Local 727 Secretary-Treasurer John Coli. "Pure, unadulterated corporate greed."

Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI: 10.01, -0.06, -0.59%) chief executive Tom Ryan took home $6.4 million last year, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

"We're hoping for a show of conscience by SCI management, but we are not optimistic at this late hour," Coli said. "Unless they change their attitude, they will inflict anguish on their employees, communities and families.

FULL story at link.