<p>St. Louis union painting contractors representing 85 percent of the union painting hours worked in St. Louis rejected a counter-offer by Painters Local 2 last Thursday. With no agreement in sight and a contract expiration on Wednesday, contractors are prepared to continue work under the existing agreement. Representatives of Painting and Decorating Contractors of America Chapter 2/Finishing Contractors Association and the union met Monday evening.</p>
<p>Police are investigating reported vandalism at the offices of a member of the contractors' negotiating committee.</p>
<p>The contractors rejected the counter-offer by a vote of 48-5. The union has twice tried to sell its membership on changes requested by the contractors. The changes reportedly included a straight 40-hour work week with contractors able to assign work at their discretion without premium pay and the elimination of a $2 per hour premium on non-hazardous spray work.</p>
<p>On Friday police were called to the yard of Thomas Industrial Coatings to investigate reported vandalism. Don Thomas, president of Thomas, is a member of the contractors' negotiating committee.</p>