Unions end boycott of Cedar Fair

Thursday, 18 August 2005

By BRANDI BARHITE
brandibarhite@sanduskyregister.com

SANDUSKY - Northeast Ohio union members are being encouraged to start visiting Cedar Point and sister park Geauga Lake again.

Earlier this month, the Tri-County Building & Construction Trades Council lifted a summer-long boycott on the Cedar Fair parks.

Tri-County called for the boycott after the company hired some non-union companies for a $24 million waterpark project at Geauga Lake, Aurora, Ohio.

"We resolved our differences. We understand each others positions and we want to work together," said Jack Falfas, Cedar Fair's Chief Operating Officer, Wednesday. "We have ensured the union that they will get a very even playing field on all the work that is to be done."

Falfas said a lack of communication was part of the problem, and if Cedar Fair needs workers for a future project, it will make sure union contractors get an opportunity to bid.

Tri-County President David Moran could not be reached for comment Wednesday. However, in a letter to union members, Moran wrote that Cedar Fair has committed to use legitimate construction trade employers on their future projects. He also wrote that Tri-County has committed to provide sufficient bidders on future projects.

Falfas didn't readily have numbers on how the boycott affected the parks, but said there was an effect. If possible, Cedar Point will try to reschedule the picnics, but Moran is encouraging members to come individually, Falfas said.

FunCoast.com is your online guide to summer fun for Cedar Point, the LakeErie Islands and Sandusky area. Our site offers up-to-date information on area attractions, restaurants, hotels, gasoline prices, ferry schedules, swimming, birding and fishing, along with a complete listing of events happening in the Sandusky/Cedar Point area. To use our Webcam and zoom in on Cedar Point's rollercoasters, go to http://funcam.funcoast.com

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