Approximately 84 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1297 at Libbey Glass in Toledo are set to begin a strike starting Friday, Aug. 22 at 11:59 p.m. The decision follows claims that company leadership failed to negotiate in good faith and did not present a fair contract offer.
The union members rejected the company’s latest contract proposal on August 9. Concerns cited by the workers include insufficient pay, mandatory overtime policies that limit family time, reductions in union rights and protections, and increasing health insurance costs. Since then, Libbey Glass has not returned to meaningful negotiations or provided an improved offer.
“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.”
