Collins Aerospace workers say they’ve been locked out of the plant after their union rejected a proposed contract.
Workers say they arrived at work Monday morning and were denied entry at the facility located near Union.
On Monday and Tuesday, the employees, part of United Steel Workers Local 1449, lined Rt. 219 near the entrance to Collins Aerospace in protest. Employees, all of whom are union members, are unable to make any statements on the record, they said.
“We’re not allowed to give any statement at this time,” said one worker.
“We’re locked out,” said another.
The workers clarified that they are not on strike.
“We’re coming to work. That’s what we’re doing. We’re working,” said another union member.
The Collins Aerospace communications office provided The West Virginia Daily News with the following emailed statement:
“We are disappointed that union members failed to ratify the contract. Collins Aerospace presented a fair contract offer that would recognize and reward our employees’ contributions while keeping us competitive, and one that would keep our manufacturing employees amongst the highest paid in the area. In addition to wage increases, we offered lower healthcare premiums, a cash ratification bonus, a cash appreciation award and additional sick leave. Collins has a structure in place to continue operations and we do not expect this to impact delivering on our commitments to our customers.”
Workers from United Steel Workers Local 1449 are gathered at the intersection of Rt. 219 and Stringtown Rd. near the entrance of Collins Aerospace near Union. Photo credit: Sarah Mansheim |
A worker’s car parked on Stringtown Road is decorated in support of the union. Photo credit: Sarah Mansheim |
Workers along Rt. 219 protest being locked out of the Collins Aerospace plant after their union rejected a proposed contract. Photo credit: Sarah Mansheim |
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.