Gradall workers go on strike after contract talks stall
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (April 17, 2024) – Union employees at Gradall are striking around the clock for higher pay increases and more stable health insurance costs. That’s according to union leaders with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) Local 1285.
The strike started Monday morning after the union rejected the company’s last, best, and final contract offer for its approximately 230 members. One employee on the picket line Wednesday was Rob Gross. He told WJER News that Gradall was offering a six-percent raise that higher insurance costs would wipe out.
“It has to do with benefits, insurance, and money.”
He says they’re willing to be out there as long as it takes.
“We have strike duty so there’s somebody on strike all the time
Gradall officials did not immediately return a message from WJER. However, parent company The Alamo Group issued the following statement:
“Negotiations are ongoing and the company is committed to working in good faith with union leaders to reach agreement on the new labor agreement and restore normal operations.”
Gradall produces state-of-the-art excavators that are used across the country.