Approximately 84 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1297, part of District 54, will begin a strike at Libbey Glass in Toledo starting Friday, Aug. 22 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The decision follows a breakdown in contract negotiations between union members and company leadership.
Union representatives stated that members rejected the company’s most recent contract offer on August 9. They cited several concerns including pay rates, mandatory overtime policies affecting family time, reductions in union rights and protections, and increased health insurance costs. According to the union, management has not offered improved terms or engaged in further negotiations since the rejection.
T. Dean Wright, Jr., President and Directing Business Representative for IAM District 54, commented on the situation: “IAM Local 1297 members have made tremendous sacrifices for this company after it came out of bankruptcy and liquidation in 2020,” he said. “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, IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President, added: “The entire IAM Union stands united with our Local 1297 members at Libbey Glass. We are committed to winning a fair contract that reflects the skill, sacrifice and value our members bring to this company every single day.”
The strike is a response to what union leaders describe as unfair labor practices by Libbey Glass management during contract discussions.
