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In a strong display of solidarity for IAM Local 1363 members on strike, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) visited the strike line at Valley Ford Truck, a prominent commercial vehicle center in the Cleveland suburbs. Approximately 24 IAM Local 1363 members have been on strike since Dec. 18, 2023, in response to the company’s “last, best, and final” offer.
Visited striking workers from @MachinistsUnion Local 1363 on the picket line in Cleveland this morning. They’re fighting for a fair contract that includes the retirement security they’ve earned.
Proud to stand with Ohio workers fighting for the Dignity of Work. https://t.co/nS9LFmXVs5
— Sherrod Brown (@SenSherrodBrown) January 22, 2024
The offer, rejected by IAM Local 1363 members, would slash retirement security by ending the company match and significantly cutting work hours.
“Sen. Brown’s presence on the strike line has greatly boosted the morale of our members,” said IAM Local 1363 Directing Business Representative Timothy Verlinden. “It shows that our fight for fair working conditions and retirement security is gaining attention at the highest levels of government. We appreciate his commitment to standing with IAM Local 1363 members and their families.”
Late last year, Sen. Brown wrote a letter to Valley Ford Truck President Brian O’Donnell and IAM Local 1363 Directing Business Representative Timothy Verlinden.
In the letter, Sen. Brown highlighted the importance of employees and customers in making Valley Ford the leading truck retailer in Northeast Ohio and beyond. “To now make an offer that would further erode workers’ entire retirement security is both short-sighted and an unfair demand,” wrote Sen. Brown.
In December 2023, Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) visited the strike line, demonstrating the solidarity among elected officials in supporting the workers’ cause. Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb also respected the picket line by towing city vehicles from Valley Ford Truck.
“The IAM will provide the necessary resources for our IAM members on strike at Valley Ford Truck,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “The IAM stands strong with our members in their fight for fair treatment, decent working hours, and retirement security.”
