Approximately 84 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1297, representing workers at Libbey Glass in Toledo, have been on strike since August 22. The union members are protesting what they describe as unfair labor practices by the company, including a 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 them on the picket line and sending a letter to Libbey Glass management. In her letter, Rep. Kaptur stated: “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 raised concerns over mandatory overtime policies that limit time with family, reductions in rights and protections for both the union and its members, as well as increasing health insurance costs. According to IAM representatives, Libbey Glass has not participated in meaningful negotiations or offered an improved contract proposal.
