Accuride Corporation on November 20 announced a lockout of bargaining unit employees at its Gunite Foundry located in
Gunite Corporation and the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Local No. 718 have been negotiating terms for a new collective bargaining agreement since October 10. The company’s 2005-2007 agreement with the UAW expired on November 17. The lockout was implemented on the evening of November 18 after union leadership failed to allow its members to vote on the company’s offer for a new collective bargaining agreement.
“This is a regrettable situation – one that we went to great lengths to prevent. The company and the union’s committee spent hours and hours at the bargaining table discussing the parties’ proposals,” said Bruce Figi, director of operations at Gunite’s Rockford Foundry. “The company provided a good and comprehensive offer to the union. Even after the parties’ last discussion, the company’s representatives offered to make themselves available to answer any questions of the union’s committee. Unfortunately, the union did not take us up on that offer and even more unfortunate is the fact that they did not allow their members to vote on the agreement.
“The lockout will continue until bargaining unit employees ratify a new collective bargaining agreement. Gunite will continue to operate the plant using salaried personnel and temporary contract workers. As a result, our customers will not experience any disruption in receiving our products. This lockout will ensure the safety of those employees who will continue to operate the foundry. It will also enable us to continue to provide a seamless supply of high-quality products to our customers in a timely manner. Most importantly, eliminating the uncertainty of our operations from the customers’ perspective will help us to ensure the viability of the foundry and all of the jobs it provides in the future.”
During the lockout, Gunite will continue to negotiate in good faith with the leadership of the UAW.
“Gunite has worked long and hard to craft an agreement that meets the needs of the company and our employees,” Figi said. “It is unfortunate that our efforts have not yet resulted in ratification. But we are committed to reaching an agreement that protects the long-term economic health of the company, while fairly compensating our employees for their hard work and ongoing effort to create value for the company and our stakeholders.”
The UAW represents approximately 150 hourly employees at the Rockford Foundry.
Accuride Corporation is one of the largest and most diversified manufacturers and suppliers of commercial vehicle components in
