NEW PHILADELPHIA ‒ Members of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1285 overwhelmingly voted to reject the latest contract offer by Gradall Industries on Sunday.
"The company’s wage and benefit package does not meet the expectations of its dedicated workforce, which worked through a pandemic and continues to make this company profitable," the union said in a statement. "Workers are also struggling with work-life balance to spend time with their families due to the amount of overtime demanded and have concerns about worker safety within the facility. The IAM will continue to stand strong with these dedicated workers as they fight for their families and communities.”
More about strike: Gradall exec: Company and union remain in 'a substantial impasse' on new 3-year contract
The 230 members of the union went out on the picket line at midnight April 14 after voting to reject the company's final contract offer. Gradall members are seeking higher pay increases and more stable health insurance costs.
What is made there
The plant is located at 406 Mill Ave. in New Philadelphia and manufactures Gradall excavators and Vacall street sweepers. The excavator is the only excavator produced only in America. Gradall products include steel and aluminum mill maintenance machines, mine scalers, railway maintenance machines and other products.
"We are disappointed by the union vote this weekend, declining what we believe to be an extremely fair and competitive offer," said Michael Haberman, executive vice president of industrial equipment for the Alamo Group, which owns Gradall. "This offer would put our workforce at the top end of all industry/manufacturing workers in Tuscarawas County. We are committed to continue to negotiate in good faith with the union along with the help of the federal mediator."
IAM Local 1285 members at Gradall went on strike for nearly a month in 2018 , seeking health insurance concessions, better pay and retirement benefits.
Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Union members reject latest contract offer from Gradall Industries
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