By
News 5
Published: Thu, March 08, 2007 - 12:03 pm
The walkout at Northrop Grumman Shipyards in Pascagoula moves into its second day on Friday.
Already, striking workers are looking at their pocketbooks and planning for the future.
Barrie Vantroy and his wife, Lachonda, were on the picket line Thursday in front of the main gate at Northrop Grumman.
Barrie's a ship fitter at the plant. Lachonda is a pipe fitter.
They met at work about six years ago.
The Vantroys are raising two children: 11 year old Tyniquah, who's in school, and one year old Berry who's in day care.
The couple says money is the big issue in the strike.
Barrie Vantroy says, " (Northrop Grumman's the) number one shipyard in the country, so we should be making top dollar in the country."
Even though a pay raise was proposed, the Vantroys say insurance would go up more than $50 a month.
"From what they're offering now," according to Barrie Vantroy, "when they raise the insurance up, that takes away from the raise we're getting."
LaChonda Vantroy says, "Working at a place like the shipyard, you need dental and vision, because, especially vision, with all the welding."
The Vantroys received paychecks Thursday and will get one more next week.
After that, Barrie Vantroy says, "Maybe a week, or two weeks in, one of us will be looking for a job to try to make it."
As it is, the Vantroys say they work at the plant four ten-hour shifts Monday Through Thursday, and also work there six hours each on Friday and Saturday to earn extra money.
LaChonda Vantroy said, "The cost of living has gotten so high, you can't afford not to get a raise."
For the foreseeable future, the Vantroys will be reporting to the picket line, instead of to work.
But they say the strike is worth it.
Barrie Vantroy said, "We're going to stick to it, because for us to get what we want, we have to stick through it."
Already, striking workers are looking at their pocketbooks and planning for the future.
Barrie Vantroy and his wife, Lachonda, were on the picket line Thursday in front of the main gate at Northrop Grumman.
Barrie's a ship fitter at the plant. Lachonda is a pipe fitter.
They met at work about six years ago.
The Vantroys are raising two children: 11 year old Tyniquah, who's in school, and one year old Berry who's in day care.
The couple says money is the big issue in the strike.
Barrie Vantroy says, " (Northrop Grumman's the) number one shipyard in the country, so we should be making top dollar in the country."
Even though a pay raise was proposed, the Vantroys say insurance would go up more than $50 a month.
"From what they're offering now," according to Barrie Vantroy, "when they raise the insurance up, that takes away from the raise we're getting."
LaChonda Vantroy says, "Working at a place like the shipyard, you need dental and vision, because, especially vision, with all the welding."
The Vantroys received paychecks Thursday and will get one more next week.
After that, Barrie Vantroy says, "Maybe a week, or two weeks in, one of us will be looking for a job to try to make it."
As it is, the Vantroys say they work at the plant four ten-hour shifts Monday Through Thursday, and also work there six hours each on Friday and Saturday to earn extra money.
LaChonda Vantroy said, "The cost of living has gotten so high, you can't afford not to get a raise."
For the foreseeable future, the Vantroys will be reporting to the picket line, instead of to work.
But they say the strike is worth it.
Barrie Vantroy said, "We're going to stick to it, because for us to get what we want, we have to stick through it."
News Map
Email to a Friend 
Printer Friendly 
Recent Commented on News Reports
Tanker Decision Expected Wednesday…
Pharmacy Robber Arrested
Foundation To Honor Boy Who…
Child Dies After Parents Tie…
Day 3: Catching Mini Wave…
Housing Crisis Fix?