Union members say that Kaiser founder Henry J. Kaiser would be ashamed of these actions. Human labor is not just one more factor of production. It is unfair to ask workers to make continued concessions for the sake of increased profits. The workers at Kaiser have already demonstrated their willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the company and the investor. We must keep reminding ourselves that human labor has priority over capital.
People are more important than profit.
When, however, socio-economic disputes arise, efforts must be made to come to a peaceful settlement. Although recourse must always be had first to sincere dialogue between the parties, the strike, nevertheless, can remain even in present day circumstances a necessary, though ultimate, means for the defense of workers' own rights and the fulfillment of their just desires. Kaiser Aluminum declined an offer from the United Steelworkers of America, AFL-CIO, CLC to resume bargaining under the auspices of Federal Mediation. On October 25 members of USWA Local 5702 and their friends gathered at the beautiful Blind River in St. James Parish. Of course there was jambalaya to eat, music and speeches from union officials and the sheriff.