Rove Pest Control call centres on strike?

On June 20th members of Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7250 voted unanimously to authorize a strike if bargaining fails at Rove Pest Control company.

While negotiations continue, and tentative agreements have been reached on a number of subjects, the top issues remain unresolved.

“It’s been one step forward – and two pay steps backwards, per the company’s proposals”, said Zach Sager, one of the call center employees. “Rove needs to get serious – or we’ll strike.”

Workers at the East Metro extermination company’s call center voted overwhelmingly to unionize with CWA Local 7250 back on September 15th 2023. The main issues that fueled the union drive were low wages, poor benefits, no funeral/bereavement time, and management’s disrespectful attitude towards hourly workers.

“Six months is too long to be negotiating for paid breaks, regular raises, accountable management, and union representation. This is starting to really bug me”, quipped Rove worker Greg Bute. “We need to get this pest under control. ”After more than 6 months of bargaining, the union workers at Rove believe it’s time to turn up the heat.

CWA 7250 members rallied at Rove Pest Control on July 18th along with representatives of the United Auto Workers, Carpenters, and Minneapolis Teachers.

Union members chanted “Rove Workers Need a Raise!”, and "Who’s Got the Power? We Got the Power! What Kind of Power? UNION Power!” The chanting could be heard in the bargaining session with Rove management.

Emmett Doyle, a union carpenter and labor troubadour brought his guitar to the rally and belted out some militant anthems.

Senior Rove employee, Bruce Nielsen was blunt, “If these talks haven’t moved the action – maybe some action will move the talks”.

CWA Local 7250 Vice President Michelle Richardson, who oversaw the strike authorization vote, affirmed the union’s commitment to winning a fair contract, “As always, we will do whatever it takes.”