After 11 weeks on strike, members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1297 at Libbey Glass in Toledo have voted to ratify a union-proposed agreement. The strike began on August 23, with workers protesting what they described as unfair labor practices by the company.
The proposed agreement, which now requires approval from Libbey Glass management, addresses several concerns raised by union members. These include issues related to mandatory overtime that limits time with family, efforts to remove key rights and protections from the union and its members, and increasing health insurance costs.
T. Dean Wright, Jr., President and Directing Business Representative of IAM District 54, commented on the vote: “This was a proactive effort by the union to bring an end to the strike and get our members back to work. Our members have stayed strong and united throughout this process, and this offer represents a fair path forward that addresses their core concerns. Now Libbey has a chance to treat their employees right and accept this offer and reinstate stability to its Toledo operations.”
Approximately 84 IAM Union members at Libbey Glass are involved in producing glass products in Toledo for markets worldwide.
The IAM Union is one of North America’s largest industrial trade unions, representing about 600,000 active and retired workers across various sectors including aerospace, defense, healthcare, automotive, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit industries in both the United States and Canada.
