The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) expects to meet with representatives of the company it is striking, Chemineer, on March 31, a union spokesman said today, March 17.

About 64 members of IAM Local 225 struck Chemineer, a Poe Avenue industrial mixing equipment producer, March 7 after members rejected a contract proposal. If the meeting happens, it will be the first time both sides have met since the strike began.

John Carr, a Cincinnati-based IAM spokesman, said an attorney who represents Chemineer told a mediator who arranged the March 31 session, “He didn’t feel there was anything to meet over.” Nevertheless, the company agreed to meet with union representatives, Carr said.

A company executive could not be immediately reached Wednesday afternoon.

Carr said he felt the company was perhaps trying to prolong the strike.

“It certainly doesn’t meet up with their (company) statements early in the process where they said they would try to resolve it,” Carr said.

Asked about the original decision to go on strike, Carr said, “The union is the members, and these members voted unanimously to reject the agreement and strike the company.”

The union has said it cannot agree to proposed changes in rules governing overtime and time off, among other issues.

A mediator with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is involved in the matter, Carr said.

Beavercreek-based Robbins & Myers, which owns Chemineer, has about 400 workers in Dayton and Springfield.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or tgnau@DaytonDailyNews.com.