Approximately 84 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1297, District 54, at Libbey Glass in Toledo are set to begin a strike starting Friday, August 22 at 11:59 p.m. The action comes after union members rejected the company’s latest contract offer earlier this month and accused company leadership of failing to negotiate in good faith.
Union members cited several concerns with the proposed contract, including insufficient pay increases, mandatory overtime requirements that limit time with family, loss of rights and protections for union members, and increased health insurance costs. According to the union, Libbey Glass has not offered any improved proposals or engaged in further negotiations since the rejection.
“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.”
