Victaulic Co., a pipe and couplings maker in Forks Township, will lay off another 35 to 40 workers on Monday, a union official said. The company is embroiled in a contract dispute with union workers over wages and health benefits.
Jerry Green, president of United Steelworkers of America Local 2599 which represents workers, said he would have a formal statement later today after he learns more details about the job cuts. "They continue to say it's because of a downturn in business and things like that," Green said.
A Victaulic spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment.
Talks between the union and the company are scheduled to resume March 19, Green said. Workers on Feb. 7 voted unanimously against going on strike and agreeing to work under the old contract, which expired Jan. 31.
Victaulic, the largest steelworkers shop in the Valley, has laid off hundreds of workers at its Forks Township plant in recent years as demand for its pipe couplings has declined. It has warned the union that its new plant in Mexico could threaten more local jobs.
Union officials said the current contract proposal offered no wage increase, increased payments for health care and lower-tier earnings for anyone who had been laid off and was returning to work.
Top pay is currently $21.42 per hour. A worker returning from a layoff would earn $16 per hour under the proposal. New hires would earn even less.
Morning Call
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