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 on Friday, August 22 at 11:59 p.m. The action follows what union representatives describe as the company’s failure to bargain in good faith and provide a fair contract offer.
Union members recently rejected Libbey Glass’s latest contract proposal on August 9. According to IAM Local 1297, concerns include inadequate pay, mandatory overtime that limits family time, reductions in union rights and protections, and increasing health insurance costs. The union states that since the rejection, company leadership has not engaged in further meaningful negotiations or offered an improved contract.
“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.”
IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan added: “The entire IAM Union stands united with our Local 1297 members at Libbey Glass. We are committed to winning a fair contract that reflects the skill, sacrifice and value our members bring to this company every single day.”
