On October 7, 2004, the membership of the Delta Dental Unit of Local 724 walked off their job on went on strike. 

The Delta Dental Committee consisting of Region 1-C Servicing Rep John Legg, Unit Chair Rhonda Cain, Bargaining Chair Jane Gibbard, along with Rhonda Morse, M J Warren, and Jennifer Ulrich from the bargaining committee had worked tirelessly to bring an equitable and fair resolution for a new contract.  After bringing an offer that was not acceptable, the membership voted overwhelming to conduct a work stoppage.  Because there were issues unresolved on the table that didn’t include just wages and benefits, the strike was declared an”Unfair Labor Practice” strike.

By declaring the strike as such, it still allowed the company to hire scabs if they so choose, but the replacement workers would not be able to permanently replace the strikers upon resolution to the work stoppage.

The Delta Unit was well prepared for the work stoppage and had built their Unit strike infrastructure accordingly.  Under the direction of Strike Chair, Claudia Shawa, the membership was well prepared when the decision was made.

As with many worksite issues like this one, the show of solidarity was tremendous from the Lansing area unions, the Region and the community.