By Angela Hatton
Metropolis, IL – A representative for the United Steel Workers union says employees of the Honeywell plant have received approval for unemployment benefits. Staff Representative Kevin Smith says workers are eligible for benefits because they were locked out of the Metropolis facility in late June. The company chose not to allow the approximately 220 union employees to work without a contract. Honeywell announced they will continue health and life insurance benefits for bargaining employees through the end of August. If the stoppage continues through September, Honeywell will evaluate benefits on a month to month basis. Negotiators meet again August 10.