The company claimed the union no longer represented a majority of workers at the combined operation. PACE immediately formed an organizing committee that led a year-long global campaign. Eventually, we broke the spiral of fear by fighting back with a combination of hard work, proven organizing methods and a sophisticated 21st Century global campaign that overwhelmed the company. The global campaign against Imerys peaked on May 9th at the Imerys annual shareholders meeting in Paris. The actions in Paris also prompted a major announcement to employees in Sylacauga that the company would henceforth conduct itself in an ethical manner and would not discriminate against workers for their pro-union beliefs.
PACE anticipates the start of bargaining soon for a first contract.
This is reportedly the first time a social investment firm has pressed for workers' rights before a French company's annual meeting and the outcome has been a true success.