Indianapolis Navistar foundry accepts cutbacks to keep doors open

SPRINGFIELD — As Navistar’s United Auto Workers Local 402 members prepare for the late August start of master contract negotiations, UAW workers at the company’s Indianapolis iron foundry recently accepted a new contract to keep the doors open.

The five-year contract, approved by 58 percent of UAW Local 226 members on July 13, represents an agreement that provides increased flexibility and improved cost structure, which allowed the company to keep the facility operational, said Roy Wiley, Navistar spokesperson.

“This is a tough industry and this will make us more competitive,” he added.

The Indianapolis foundry has been idled for a number of months and will remain on a limited production schedule for an extended period while the company ramps production back up.

The Indianapolis iron foundry pours engine blocks for the company’s V-8 and some in-line 6 cylinder engines.

“That’s based in large part on customer demand, which remains low,” said Jason Barlow, UAW Local 402 President.

Wiley said the company hopes to be back in production later this fall.

One positive is that the new contract in Indianapolis stopped the southern migration of some Navistar work, Barlow said. When the company’s plant in Chatham, Ontario was idled last year, the work was moved to Escobedo, Mexico.

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