Approximately 84 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1297 at Libbey Glass in Toledo have been on strike since August 22. The union members are protesting what they describe as unfair labor practices, specifically the company’s failure to bargain in good faith and present a fair contract offer.
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 urged company leaders to return to negotiations with both IAM and the United Steelworkers (USW).
“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,” wrote Rep. Kaptur. “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 cited concerns over mandatory overtime provisions limiting family time, removal of rights and protections for both union representatives and employees, as well as increased health insurance costs. According to IAM Local 1297, company leadership has not engaged in meaningful negotiations or offered an improved contract.
