About 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 at 11:59 p.m. on August 22. The decision comes after union members rejected the company’s latest contract offer earlier this month and accused company leadership of failing to bargain in good faith.
The union cites several reasons for rejecting the proposed contract, including concerns over inadequate pay, mandatory overtime that limits time with family, removal of rights and protections for union members, and increased health insurance costs. Members say the company has not made efforts to resume negotiations or provide an improved offer 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.”
IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan expressed support for those going on strike. “The entire IAM Union stands united with our Local 1297 members at Libbey Glass,” Sullivan said. “We are committed to winning a fair contract that reflects the skill, sacrifice and value our members bring to this company every single day.”
Libbey Glass previously underwent bankruptcy proceedings in 2020 before emerging from liquidation.
