About 84 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1297, representing District 54, will begin a strike at Libbey Glass in Toledo on Friday, August 22 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The decision follows what union representatives describe as unfair labor practices by the company and a failure to negotiate a fair contract.
Union members had previously rejected the company’s latest contract offer on August 9. The reasons cited include concerns over inadequate pay, mandatory overtime that limits family time, loss of rights and protections for union members, and increasing health insurance costs. According to the IAM, company leadership has not responded with further negotiations or an improved offer since then.
“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 emerged from bankruptcy proceedings in 2020. IAM leaders emphasize that their membership played a role in helping stabilize operations during that period.