November 23, 2021
On Monday, we met again with the union.
We came prepared and presented a concept that provides immediate ‘graduation’ to legacy for all employees with four or more years of service. This concept would also provide a clear path for the remaining employees to graduate.
We are disappointed for our employees that the union was not prepared to reach any agreement nor put our latest proposal to a vote, and that it asked to delay further negotiations to the week of December 6. The Company remains ready and willing and able to meet with the union.
We recognize the hardship that this prolonged strike represents for our employees. After 15 negotiations sessions in 2021 – and no proposals put to membership for a vote – we are left with no choice but to best serve the short- and long-term interests of our customers and consumers by moving to the next phase of our contingency plans.
We will continue to run our plants effectively with hourly and salaried employees, third-party resources, and temporary replacements, and now where appropriate, hire permanent replacements.
Our first choice is to have our employees return to work. We continue to welcome those who choose to return to work, as we have since the strike began. Employees seeking to do so can contact their HR manager (see Return to Work FAQs).