AMHERST, Ohio — Approximately 133 union workers from Amherst's Nordson Corporation are on strike.
"The Local 1802 Lodge of International machinist and aerospace workers are striking for better healthcare and better wages in these days of increasing inflation and outrageous family healthcare costs," according to an e-mail sent to 3News early Monday from a spokesperson for Local 1802.
"IAM Local 1802 members are demanding a contract that instills respect and dignity in the workplace. The company’s 'last, best and final' contract offer, which was soundly rejected by IAM Local 1802 members, included the continued practice of mandatory overtime and that members work a minimum of 32 Saturdays per year, with Sundays as an option," a statement from IAM Local 1802 read.
“IAM members at Nordson put themselves and their families at risk during a pandemic to ensure their critical jobs were done and that this company remained successful,” said IAM District 54 President and Directing Business Representative T. Dean Wright, Jr. “Now, we’re simply asking for a respectable contract that has a basic level of work-life balance for our members. We are a critical part of this community and its economy and we’re grateful for all the support of these dedicated workers taking a stand for themselves and their families.”
Crews from 3News saw several workers picketing outside Nordson Corporation in Amherst early Monday morning, holding signs. They told 3News contracts broke down Sunday night, missing the midnight deadline.
Nordson Industrial Coatings Systems (ICS) and Local 1802 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) negotiate contracts every three years.
A description on Nordson's site says:
"We engineer, manufacture and market differentiated products used for dispensing adhesives, coatings, sealants, biomaterials and other materials; for fluid management; for test and inspection; and for UV curing and plasma surface treatment.
In a statement provided to 3News Monday morning, Nordson Corporation Industrial Coatings Systems division vice president and division leader, David Titone, said the following about Local 1802's decision to strike:
"Nordson is disappointed in this decision as we had hoped to continue operations while talks continued. We believe we have presented a fair and equitable proposal that will provide for industry-leading wages and benefits while allowing for an economically sustainable profile for the company in a very competitive market. We remain completely committed to reaching a new contract with our employees and will return to negotiations at any time."
Titone added that Nordson ICS expects to continue operating through the work stoppage by "utilizing available resources as necessary."
Editor's Note: The following video is from a previous, unrelated report.
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