TOLEDO, Ohio — Christmas Eve is typically reserved for family gatherings and holiday traditions, but for many Libbey Glass workers, it has become another day on the picket line as contract negotiations continue at the longtime Toledo manufacturer.
One of the four unions representing workers inside the Libbey Glass plant — IAM Local 1297 — ratified a new five-year contract with the company on Sunday. The agreement includes a 14.25% wage increase over the life of the contract, no increases to health insurance premiums for one year, retention of premium pay for overtime, 12 paid holidays and a $3,000 signing bonus.
Members of Local 1297 returned to work this week, and a source inside the plant says those employees are also expected to receive their holiday bonus…