The Springfield News-Sun first reported the news of Moyno workers seeking a contract agreement on Feb. 2.
We will continue to follow this story as it develops, focusing on the impact on workers and local business.
SPRINGFIELD — Moyno Inc. has restarted production on the second day of an employee strike.
Members of United Auto Workers Local 902, or 128 of Moyno’s 240 employees, went on strike Thursday after contract negotiations with the company broke down that morning.
Repeated calls to Moyno officials and parent company Robbins and Myers on the subject have not been returned since February.
Local 902 President Bill Crites was unavailable for comment Friday, but employees picketing in front of Moyno on Friday said the company was attempting to continue production using management and salaried employees.
Moyno manufactures progressive-cavity pumps used to funnel liquids for the food, beverage, oil and gas industries.
Picketing around Moyno was difficult because of a large fence and security, said employee Dick Williams. At one point, police were called to the site.
Police on duty said it was a “misunderstanding,” but continued to patrol the area.
The main point of contention between employees and Moyno is a pay cut of up to $5 an hour for employees, as well as freezing pensions and retirement benefits, the union has said. Local 902 also represents 150 Moyno retirees.
“Why penalize us ... Management needs to take a pay cut,” said Williams, a Moyno employee of 21 years.
A version of the contract with these same provisions was voted down on Feb. 6 by 112 to 5.
After a break, Local 902 and Moyno had their final negotiation meeting Thursday.
“They broke off negotiations and then (leadership) told us we were on strike,” Williams said.
As employees stood their ground outside Moyno, a former employee drove by to warn them of the damage they could cause the company and eventually themselves.
“Either take a $5 pay cut or see those jobs go to China,” said Ron Shotts, owner of RTS Tools and Die, to the employees. His concern is that unions will cause companies to manufacture products overseas, he added.
Shotts worked at Moyno for a few months before leaving to start his own business. As someone who has been a union employee and now is an employer, he said, he believes the issue is neither employees nor the company.
“It’s union leaders,” he said. “All they care about is the money. The money for dues should go into (employee) pockets.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or emason@coxohio.com
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