Union rep says Rehberg wouldn't help CFAC restart

In the 1990s, the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company (CFAC) employed more than 500 workers producing aluminum that was sent to customers around the world. Cheap power within the region made this energy-intensive industry a perfect match for the Flathead.

Unfortunately, in 1999 a foreign company named Glencore purchased CFAC. At that point, I had worked at the plant for 20 years, as had about half the work force.

It quickly became clear that Glencore’s priorities were not Montana priorities. Glencore soon sold the power contract, idled the plant and left workers stranded. The company reopened the plant briefly, but instead of reinvesting in it, CEOs in Switzerland decided to pull the plug and move my job overseas, which is exactly what they did.

In October 2009, CFAC locked its doors. When that happened I, as union president, reached out to our entire congressional delegation for help securing a new power contract to reopen the plant. Within a day, Sen. Jon Tester’s staff returned my call and got to work. About two days later, Sen. Max Baucus’ staff replied, and the two joined forces. And it wasn’t long before Jon himself called to make sure we were getting the help we needed.

Jon and Max quickly engaged with the Bonneville Power Administration, which supplies regional power contracts, and Glencore to find a fair deal that allowed the plant to reopen. Jon met with employees on multiple occasions, weighed in on behalf of workers, and even fought to bring the head of operations in Switzerland back to the table.

But after two weeks, I’d heard nothing from Congressman Denny Rehberg’s office. So I asked the plant’s government affairs liaison to call his office. A week or so later, he told me he had a message from the congressman’s staff: He could not help us because he was the “wrong party.” And we shouldn’t expect any help from him.

I was floored. While my job was being shipped overseas, Congressman Rehberg refused to help. He was willing to fight to save the statue on Big Mountain, but when it came time to stand up for Montana workers, Rehberg was AWOL.

In this election cycle, there have been numerous accusations about Jon Tester’s record, but when we as workers — as Montanans — asked for his help, Jon was there working on our behalf to bring all sides to the table and help us get back to work. Congressman Rehberg did nothing.

We need a leader who is going to fight for every Montanan — not just “his people.” That’s why I’m supporting Jon Tester this November. Jon is a true Montanan, willing to do the hard work to bring folks to the table and fight for Montana workers.

I know firsthand that Jon will stand for all Montanans, and I hope you will join me in supporting his re-election.

Dave Toavs, of Columbia Falls, is the former president of the Aluminum Workers Trades Council.