More than 2,000 workers for Whirlpool-Amana considered putting their jobs on the line Saturday. Their local machinists union voted whether to strike against the company.
After seven hours of discussion, most workers said no to the company’s latest contract proposals but would not support strike action.
The union met to consider the strike option after Whirlpool-Amana presented its final offer on a new contract. One of the biggest issues with the offer contained wage increases, workers say it also increased insurance costs. In the end, most felt the offer canceled out any savings.
They voted to reject the plan, but there weren’t enough votes to strike. An official with the union stated that means workers have essentially backed themselves into the company’s contract offer.
The union’s representative, Ed Miller, says, “It’s a sad day in America when a corporation as big as Whirlpool doesn’t want to seem to treat its employees with dignity and respect.”
Worker Bill Albert says, “another great day for corporate America. When they have all the cards, they can cheat anytime they want.”
In a statement believed to be given out by the company on Friday. In it, officials say the company’s “goal is to remain competitive in a tough industry.” The statement also says their “offer will be the best way to achieve that success” and “protect (the company’s) future.”
No one from Whirlpool was available for or has offered any comment.