OMNOVA Solutions Implements Lockout at Jeannette P
Fairlawn, OH, December 7--OMNOVA Solutions has implemented a lockout of employees represented by United Steelworkers of America Local 22R at its Jeannette, Pennsylvania facility. The lockout affects approximately 160 bargaining unit members, representing less than 8% of the company's workforce.
The action was initiated for the purpose of supporting OMNOVA's bargaining requirements. The company and the union entered their sixth calendar month of negotiations without reaching agreement on critical changes necessary to improve the plant's ability to compete in an increasingly challenging global marketplace. A further sense of urgency has resulted from increasing concerns about a series of incidents of apparent vandalism that have occurred at the plant over the past few weeks.
The previous contract expired on September 2, 2004.
"We regret the need to take this action," said Kevin McMullen, OMNOVA Solutions' chairman and chief executive officer. "However, we were left with no alternative given the circumstances. We have an obligation to provide a safe and secure work environment and to continue to serve our customers with quality products and services. Our hope is that we can reach a competitive agreement soon which will enable us to allow our union-represented employees to return to work.
"We have activated our contingency plan and will continue to operate and fully serve our customers," McMullen said.
OMNOVA Solutions' Jeannette, Pennsylvania plant is part of the company's Decorative Products division. The plant produces industrial films and laminates used in a number of products, including banners, awnings, signage, window shades, vending machines, and floors and ceilings for manufactured housing.
