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NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio, April 15, 2024 – Approximately 230 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1285 (District 54) members at Gradall Industries in New Philadelphia, Ohio have voted to reject the company’s last, best and final contract offer and go on strike, effective today, Monday, April 15, 2024. The company and the IAM have agreed to resume negotiations early this week.
IAM members at the facility build state-of-the-art excavators that are used across the country.
“IAM Local 1285 members at Gradall deserve a contract that treats them with the respect and dignity they’ve earned,” said IAM District 54 President and Directing Business Representative T. Dean Wright Jr. “IAM District 54 and the entire IAM will continue to provide every resource necessary to obtain a strong contract for our members at Gradall.”
Gradall members are seeking higher pay increases and more stable health insurance costs to support themselves, their families and their communities.
“The IAM stands ready to negotiate an improved contract with Gradall,” said IAM District 54 Assistant Directing Business Representative Don Riffee Jr. “Our negotiating committee and membership are strong and standing together for a better offer.”
IAM Local 1285 members at Gradall went on strike for nearly a month in 2018 to beat back health insurance concessions and win better pay and retirement benefits.
“The IAM Eastern Territory stands shoulder to shoulder with Gradall workers in this fight for fairness,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “I commend these members and their negotiating committee for their solidarity and resolve.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of the largest and most diverse industrial trade unions in North America, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
