Steelworkers Announce Tentative Agreement with Meridian (could end a 15-month lockout)

[Omaha Steve]

Source: BUSINESS WIRE

Ratification Vote Slated for July 30th, Future of Jackson Plant Uncertain

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--News From USW: The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that the union’s negotiating committee has tentatively accepted a collective bargaining agreement with Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc. that could end a 15-month lockout at the company’s Jackson, Ohio plant. The union also said, however, that Meridian on Thursday confirmed that the company plans to close the facility by the end of the year.

“Meridian has acted against the best interests of our members, our communities and its own stakeholders in its decision to abandon production in Jackson,” said USW District 1 Director Dave McCall.

The members of USW Local 820L will meet on Monday, July 30, to review the proposed three-year agreement with their local and international bargaining representatives and conduct a ratification vote at the Jackson JC building from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If the company’s offer is ratified, Meridian will be required to recall the union members to the plant. Then if the company does finally decide to close the plant, they will be required to provide all required legal notices and enter into “Effects Bargaining” over the plant’s closure. Effects Bargaining is the obligation of a company to bargain over the impact of a shutdown, a reduction in the workforce or other changed conditions which occur while a collective bargaining agreement is in place.

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