Union returns 'no' vote on new contract

FINDLAY — United Auto Workers Local 1327 workers continue to strike on site at Findlay's Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies plant as a recently proposed contract was turned down by the union by a 120-to-12 vote. The union workers, 146 in total for the Local, have been on strike since 11 a.m. on March 23, citing stall points in contract negotiations regarding "unfair labor practices," said Michael Willer, UAW Local 1327 Freudenberg chair. Willer said the current sticking points in the negotiation include healthcare and wages. At the onset of the strike, Willer said the union wanted to work with the company on making a contract that works with everyone. Earlier reporting quoted Willer saying "money is not the first issue" for them — it's the unfair labor practices. He had also said several National Labor Relations Board violations had been committed, though no comment could be given on specifics Friday. Willer said the union is looking to achieve the same wages for workers at Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies that other manufacturers in the area are seeing. A statement given to The Courier at the onset of the strike by Josh Barnett, corporate communications manager for Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies, said, "The UAW rejected our proposal for a new contract at our Findlay, Ohio, facility and began a strike at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24. We respect employees' rights to participate in the collective bargaining process." As negotiations are ongoing, strikers on the picket line will receive $500 a week in wages from the union. UAW Local 1327 is an amalgamated unit covering Freudenberg, Autokiniton, Leadec, Fort Amanda Specialties and SVS Vision.