About 84 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1297 at Libbey Glass in Toledo have voted to reject a contract offer from the company. The vote took place on Saturday, with members deciding to begin a strike starting Friday, August 22 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Union members cited concerns over pay, mandatory overtime that limits family time, and increased health insurance costs as reasons for their decision to reject the proposed contract.
“Libbey Glass management is failing to remember the significant sacrifices our members accepted to bring the company out of bankruptcy and liquidation in 2019,” said IAM District 54 President and Directing Business Representative T. Dean Wright, Jr. “We stand 100% behind our IAM Local 1297 members as they stand strong against corporate greed and in defense of their families and communities.”
David Sullivan, IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President, stated: “The entire IAM Union stands shoulder to shoulder with our Local 1297 membership at Libbey Glass. We will use every resource necessary to obtain a contract worthy of our membership’s sacrifices for this company.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired workers across North America in industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, among others.
For more information about the union’s activities or updates on negotiations at Libbey Glass visit https://www.goiam.org/.