As the lockout at Honeywell Corporation’s Metropolis plant continues, United Steelworkers has filed suit against the company alleging unfair labor practices.
The charges were filed with the National Labor Relations Board in St. Louis, citing Honeywell Corp.’s lockout of its union members on Aug. 2, 2014.
Today marks the 100th since the dispute began in August.
USW Local 7-669 has joined the suit, charging the lockout violates federal labor regulations.
They also claim Honeywell illegally ignored the union by speaking directly to employees and that the company threatened to fire union workers.
Honeywell spokesperson Peter Dalpe said the company has not yet been notified of the complaint or received a copy, but maintains they have complied with all bargaining laws and regulations. He said the company is disappointed union leaders have not allowed the membership to vote on an offer of a new 6-year collective bargaining agreement, which offers an average wage of $29.65 per hour.
According to Dalpe, the company is waiting on the union's response to an offer made in early October. He says the company will vigorously defend itself against any allegations of unfair labor practices.
The Metropolis facility will reopen this week after a small radioactive leak shut down operations last month.
