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 states the action is in response to what it describes as unfair labor practices by company leadership, including failure to bargain in good faith and provide a fair contract.
The decision follows the rejection of Libbey Glass’s most recent contract offer by IAM Local 1297 members on August 9. Union members have pointed to concerns such as insufficient pay increases, mandatory overtime requirements that they say limit family time, removal of certain rights and protections for union members, and increased health insurance costs. According to the union, the company has not returned to meaningful negotiations or made an improved contract proposal since that vote.
“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.”
The strike comes after Libbey Glass previously emerged from bankruptcy proceedings in 2020. The dispute centers around key issues such as wages, working conditions including overtime policies, union protections, and health care costs.
