Union Strikes at Windham Facility

2017-10-11

Oct. 2, 2017 - HarbisonWalker International (HWI) announced that the United Steelworkers International Union and its Local 8565-03 has rejected its most recent contract offer and commenced an economic strike at its Windham, Ohio manufacturing facility at midnight September 30.

Since the collective bargaining agreement expired on September 15, 2017, HWI has been and still is willing to continue operating under the terms and conditions of the expired collective bargaining agreement while bargaining in good faith towards a new contract. Our objective throughout the bargaining process has been to maintain a successful operation that keeps workers employed and customers’ needs met.

HWI is disappointed that since contract negotiations began, the union has voted down two comprehensive proposals that included wage increases and a continuation of highly market-competitive benefits package. Our offer is intended to continue providing secure and attractive jobs for more than 90 people in the Windham community and surrounding area, while also enabling the company to remain competitive in the global market.

We remain committed to reaching a new labor contract with the United Steelworkers Union. Ultimately however, the company must meet its customers’ product needs so that it can continue offering good jobs and competitive compensation to all employees. We have implemented a contingency plan, in full compliance with all labor laws in order to fulfill current orders.

HWI is committed to the safety of all employees, while seamlessly serving the needs and business requirements of all customers, without interruption.