Approximately 84 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1297 at Libbey Glass in Toledo, Ohio, will begin a strike on Friday, August 22 at 11:59 p.m. The union says the action comes after the company failed to negotiate in good faith and did not present a fair contract offer.
IAM Local 1297 members rejected Libbey Glass’s latest contract proposal on August 9. Union representatives say concerns include insufficient pay increases, mandatory overtime that limits family time, loss of rights and protections for workers, and increased health insurance costs. According to the union, company management has not returned to 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 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.”
“The entire IAM Union stands united with our Local 1297 members at Libbey Glass,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “We are committed to winning a fair contract that reflects the skill, sacrifice and value our members bring to this company every single day.”
