Approximately 84 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1297 at Libbey Glass in Toledo, Ohio, are set to begin a strike starting Friday, August 22 at 11:59 p.m. The decision follows a breakdown in contract negotiations between union members and company leadership.
Union members rejected the company’s most recent contract offer on August 9. Their concerns include pay rates they consider inadequate, mandatory overtime that affects family time, reductions in union rights and protections, and increased health insurance costs. According to the union, the company has not engaged in further negotiations or provided an improved offer since then.
“IAM Local 1297 members have made tremendous sacrifices for this company after it came out of bankruptcy and liquidation in 2020,” said IAM District 54 President and Directing Business Representative T. Dean Wright, Jr. “These members, their families and this community have been left with no choice but to take to the streets to protest the company’s unfair labor practices, protect the members’ rights and demand fairness, respect and dignity.”
“The entire IAM Union stands united with our Local 1297 members at Libbey Glass,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “We are committed to winning a fair contract that reflects the skill, sacrifice and value our members bring to this company every single day.”
The strike action comes after previous efforts by workers who supported Libbey Glass through its bankruptcy proceedings in 2020.
