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ProFusion issues statement on workers’ strike

A representative of a Marietta facility whose union workers went on strike Saturday said its “last, best and final offer” was rejected by the bargaining unit last week.

Approximately 100 members of International Chemical Workers Local 343 initiated their strike on Saturday at ProFusion on B.F. Goodrich Road. A union representative said negotiations began in June and the issues include not only pay but seniority, job bidding and more.

“ProFusion’s last, best and final offer remains available to the workers,” a statement emailed Tuesday by ProFusion Human Resource Director Kelly Schultz said. “ProFusion will continue serving its customers during this period and is committed to complying with the federal labor laws applicable to this matter.”

The statement said the company and union bargaining committees negotiated two tentative agreements, the second of which was voted down by the union membership in January.

Negotiations continued, including with a federal mediator, whose proposal was rejected by the union membership on Feb. 24, the statement said. That proposal would have provided, among other things, an average double-digit percentage wage and benefit increases this year for employees, the statement said.

Ed Rempel, International Chemical Workers Union Council rep, said that’s true, but it doesn’t take into account concessions workers made when shifting to a two-tiered pay and benefit system 10 years ago, as well as in the last five.

“That’s not even a drop in the bucket on the concessions,” he said.

Formerly part of BFGoodrich, ProFusion has been in business for more than 70 years and employs 150 people between its facilities in Marietta and Fairlawn. It manufactures vehicle flooring, specialty films and protective linings used in a variety of industries.

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