Quick links+
The Machinists Union is fighting to save more than 300 high-skilled, middle-class jobs and keep a Schneider Electric plant in Peru, Indiana open after the company recently announced plans to shut down the facility and move production to other locations, including Mexico.
In a multi-level city, county and statewide push to create an economic plan that would keep the doors of the Schneider plant open, Indiana IAM Local 2018 leaders have met with State Rep. Ethan Manning and are scheduled to meet with representatives from Sen. Todd Young and Sen. Mike Braun’s offices this week. The union is also working with Peru Mayor Gabriel Greer, Miami County Commissioner Larry West, Miami County Economic Development Authority Executive Director Jim Tidd, and the state of Indiana’s Economic Development Corporation.
Machinists Union International President Bob Martinez recently sent a letter to members of the Indiana Congressional Delegation urging them to reach out to Schneider Electric and request them to reconsider their decision to close the Peru facility.
“Our members and the Peru community are devastated,” said Martinez. “The people of Peru have been proud to manufacture electrical panel boards for commercial buildings at this plant since it first opened some 100 years ago. This company is one of the largest employers for Miami County and makes up nearly 6 percent of the workforce in the central Indiana town of Peru. In a town with an unemployment rate of 14 percent, more than twice the average for Indiana and nation, shutting down this plant will further distress Peru’s economy.”
Read the full letter from IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr.
“Keeping this plant open is our number one objective,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “More than 300 IAM members, their families, and an entire community are dependent upon it. The IAM will continue to deploy every resource possible into keeping Schneider in Peru. We’re also going to keep up our fight for legislation and trade laws that protect the American worker and puts an end to the hemorrhaging of middle-class jobs in this country. American workers deserve better.”
READ: Peru officials working to keep Schneider Electric from closing – The Kokomo (IN) Tribune
