Union workers go on strike at Gradall Industries plant in New Philadelphia
NEW PHILADELPHIA ‒ Members of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1285 went on strike Monday against Gradall Industries, Inc.
The 230 members of the union voted to reject the company's final contract offer before taking to the picket lines.
Previous strike: Union workers strike at Gradall over medical insurance
Picketers lined the highway at the entrance of the company's plant at 406 Mill Ave. in New Philadelphia. Some passing motorists honked their horns in support of them.
“IAM Local 1285 members at Gradall deserve a contract that treats them with the respect and dignity they’ve earned,” said IAM District 54 President and Directing Business Representative T. Dean Wright Jr. “IAM District 54 and the entire IAM will continue to provide every resource necessary to obtain a strong contract for our members at Gradall.”
Gradall members are seeking higher pay increases and more stable health insurance costs.
IAM Local 1285 members at Gradall went on strike for nearly a month in 2018, seeking health insurance concessions, better pay and retirement benefits.
Gradall, an Alamo Group company, manufactures Gradall excavators and Vacall street sweepers. The excavator is the only excavator produced only in America. Gradall products include steel and aluminum mill maintenance machines, mine scalers, railway maintenance machines and other products.
The company, which has operated in New Philadelphia since 1950, is one of the top 10 employers in Tuscarawas County.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Union workers on strike at Gradall Industries plant in New Philadelphia
