Labor dispute in Oxford joins long-running lockout in Lebanon
By Chelsey Levingston, Dayton Daily News, Ohio | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
More than 200 workers at
The company, which manufactures electrical equipment, was formerly known as Square D.
However, two union chapters --
"They've been sticking together very well. Nobody's crossed the picket line that we know of," said
Union members rejected the company's proposal for a new three-year contract that would freeze pensions. Employees also want higher wages. Currently, all incoming employees after 2004 receive starting pay of
Union leaders including Local 2287 president
"These people are low wage employees to begin with and then to have them out on strike is very hard on them," Dietz said. "It's really tough to have a family and make it on
The company is committed to do its part to reach a fair contract that reflects the economic realities of business and is confident about reaching an agreement, spokeswoman Elizabeth deCastro previously said at the time the strike started.
Meanwhile in
Members walk and protest in shifts, and have set up tents alongside the street.
A two-week contract extension between
HTNA's proposal to the union in June called for wage cuts, more than double increases in insurance premiums and no worker seniority, Woods said.
Most recently at the end of September, union members voted down another contract proposal, Woods said. Local 2387 members are expected to vote on yet another proposal in the week ahead.
"The seniority and overtime issues are back that we wanted. The (cost of) benefits are high, but it's something I think we can live with since it's hitting everybody," Woods said.
He said about 10 people have moved on to other jobs.
"We're still out here 24 hours a day," he said. "Everybody wants to get back to work."
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