About 84 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1297, representing workers at Libbey Glass in Toledo, have been on strike since August 22. The union members are protesting what they describe as unfair labor practices after company management did not reach a fair contract agreement or bargain in good faith.
U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) has shown support for the striking workers by joining their picket line and sending a letter to Libbey Glass management. In her letter, Rep. Kaptur stated: “I understand that Libbey Glass has advanced proposals the unions feel would harm the IAM and USW’s ability to represent their members, remove valid disputes from the grievance and arbitration process, erode protections for workers to exclusively perform their work, and restrict the workers’ ability to strike. I am concerned about these reports, and hope that further negotiation can achieve agreements that foster a new era of labor/management cooperation at Libbey’s Toledo production facilities.”
Union members have raised concerns over mandatory overtime policies that limit family time, increased health insurance costs, and what they say is a reduction in rights and protections for both the union and its members. According to IAM Local 1297 representatives, Libbey Glass has so far declined to participate in meaningful negotiations or present an improved contract offer.
