Jim Walker, Sub-District 1 Director for the United Steelworkers, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast and addressed the closure of the Sherwin-Williams Aerosol Plant in the coming weeks.
In November, Sherwin-Williams announced it would shutter the facility located in Bedford Heights, Ohio, as costs to upgrade and modernize the building were deemed too expensive. Walker said the shutdown will impact about 50 area USW members. He did disclose that Sherwin-Williams and the USW are currently negotiating a relief package for those members to help them transition to different jobs.
Walker also shared some good news. The first U.S.-manufactured freighter since 1983 is now traveling on the Great Lakes. Built entirely from steel made by local USW members, the new freighter is smaller, yet more versatile than any other freighter in the Great Lakes fleet. Walker added that this versatility allows the vessel to travel directly to different mills without the assistance of tug boats.
He then discussed the status of a new collective bargaining agreement for USW members who manufacture aluminum at a Youngstown, Ohio facility. The USW, he explained, organized this plant, which will add about 120 new members to the union. After months of bargaining, Walker is optimistic the CBA process will soon conclude.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.