Sandy Alexander Locks Out Union Lithographers

CLIFTON, NJ—Unable to reach an accord with its union membership here, metro New York printer Sandy Alexander has locked out those lithographic employees. The lockout of Amalgamated Lithographers of America (ALA) Local One-L reached the start of its fourth week on Friday. The union had been working without a contract since the previous pact expired June 30.

The lockout, which began Aug. 28, does not impact Sandy Alexander's operations in Staten Island, NY, and St. Petersburg, FL. Mike Graff, president of Sandy Alexander, said that negotiations are ongoing and that the company has not had clients take their work elsewhere. He bristled at rumors that Sandy Alexander was in danger of going out of business.

"Right now, it hasn't had a major, negative impact on our business," Graff told Printing Impressions. "We've expanded our sales force by six, and have spent millions in expanding our manufacturing capabilities. We have a near zero-debt operation. As far as our future is concerned, it's very good."