UPDATE 10:25 a.m.: WFXR News’ Hazelmarie Anderson spoke with union workers regarding the ongoing strike at the Volvo plant in Dublin.
According to union representatives, employees at the plant were notified around 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 17 from the union saying that no agreement has been made between Volvo representatives and the union.
Approximately 2,800 of workers with the union are currently striking and that only a few company officials are left inside of the building.
The union says they are unsure when talks will resume; however, in a statement to workers, they say the union will reconvene negotiations on Monday, April 26.
In a statement to WFXR News, NRV Vice President and General Manager Franky Marchand commented the following:
“We are surprised and disappointed that the UAW decided to strike. Progress was being made, and we had offered substantial increases in our employees’ compensation. We don’t understand why the UAW won’t allow our employees to continue building trucks while we continue negotiations. We are committed to the collective bargaining process, and look forward to getting back to the table. We are confident that we will be able to arrive at an agreement that provides a competitive wage and benefit package for our employees and families, and helps to ensure the plant’s competitiveness, long-term growth and sustainability.”
Volvo says the 1.6 million square-foot Dublin plant is the largest manufacturer of Volvo tractor-trailer trucks in the world.
PULASKI COUNTY, Va. (WFXR/AP) — Between Friday night and Saturday morning, word came down that workers at the Volvo plant in Pulaski County were going to strike.
According to a letter published on UAW Local 2069’s Facebook page, the strike began at 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 17.
The union representing the workers says they have spent the past several months meeting with Volvo representatives to address issues raised by its members.
“We are disappointed that the Company failed to provide any substantial offer prior to the March 16, 2021 expiration date or during the subsequent meetings held during the period in which we extended the contract. Our goal during both periods was to reach a tentative agreement between the parties and avoid a strike.”
Official statement from UAW
The union says they remain committed to exploring all options for reaching an agreement by addressing concerns including wage increases, job security, wage progression, skilled trades, shift premium, holiday schedules, work schedules, health and safety, seniority, pension, 401(k), healthcare, prescription drug coverage and overtime.
WFXR News has attempted to reach Volvo for an official statement but has yet to reach contact with a representative.
