Approximately 84 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1297, part of District 54, at Libbey Glass in Toledo, Ohio, are set to begin a strike starting Friday, August 22 at 11:59 p.m. The action follows disputes over labor practices after the company was accused by union representatives of not bargaining in good faith or presenting a fair contract offer.
The union members had previously rejected the company’s latest contract proposal on August 9. Among their concerns are what they describe as inadequate pay, mandatory overtime requirements that limit time with family, removal of certain rights and protections for union members, and increasing health insurance costs. Union leaders report that Libbey Glass has not engaged in further meaningful negotiations or offered an improved contract since then.
“IAM Local 1297 members have made tremendous sacrifices for this company after it came out of bankruptcy and liquidation in 2020,” said T. Dean Wright, Jr., President and Directing Business Representative of IAM District 54. “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.”
David Sullivan, General Vice President for the IAM Eastern Territory, also commented on the situation. “The entire IAM Union stands united with our Local 1297 members at Libbey Glass,” he 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 emerged from bankruptcy proceedings in 2020. Since then, union representatives claim workers have continued to make significant concessions while seeking better conditions through collective bargaining.
