Following a recent union strike at its Toledo plant, workers have voted to accept an agreement between unions and the company.
Libbey released the following statement: “Libbey has now reached labor agreements with each of the four unions representing employees at its Toledo facilities. GMP Local 59 has joined IAM Lodge 105, USW Local 700T and USW Local 65T in reaching agreements. The agreements are contingent upon employees returning to work by Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 7 a.m. The agreements reached with the four unions provide wage increases of 5 percent over three years, competitive health and retirement benefits, and compromises around improved attendance and overtime policies. The agreements also provide reinstatement of company-paid healthcare benefits retroactive to October 12, 2016, when union members walked off the job. Libbey has negotiated in good faith with union leadership since contract talks began in September and is pleased to end the strike and reach agreements that enhance Libbey’s global leadership position.”
According to union representatives, sticking points in the dispute were working conditions, wage increases, mandatory overtime and a draconian attendance policy. IAM Negotiators remained at the bargaining table to negotiate with management at Libbey Glass, and brought the most recent offer that improved, or removed the company proposals from the agreement to a ratification vote. Just as important, with an aging workforce, company paid health care benefits will be reinstated retroactively to the date the work stoppage began.