<\/p>\n
More than 250 union employees at Parker Lord manufacturing company on Robison Road in Erie will go on strike January 11, when their current contract with the company expires.<\/p>\n
Members of the International Association of Machinists Local 1211 voted Saturday to strike against the company over economic issues.<\/p>\n
In a statement, union officials called the overwhelming vote to strike an historic moment. The statement reads in part, \u201cThe members of IAM Local 1211 have not experienced a labor dispute in more than five decades. Their last strike occurred in 1974 against their former employer, LORD Corporation. Since Parker Hannifin acquired LORD Corporation in 2019, the working relationship between Parker Lord management and union employees has steadily deteriorated.\u201d<\/p>\n
Members of IAM Local 1211 manufacture vibration and motion control components for the aerospace industry used by both military and commercial customers. According to local union president Stephen Gurga, the labor dispute is focused on wages.<\/p>\n
The union claims in its written statement that wages over the last 5-year contract failed to keep pace with the rising cost of living. \u201cDespite good-faith efforts by the union to reach a fair agreement, Parker Lord has not offered economic proposals that meet members\u2019 needs.\u201d The union is seeking a 3-year contract this time, but said the company\u2019s offer was for another 5-year deal.<\/p>\n
After the union rejected the company\u2019s offer, it took a minimum 2\/3 union vote to approve a strike. That strike is set to begin at 12 a.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. \u201cOur members have shown patience and professionalism for years,\u201d said IAM District 98 Assistant Directing Business Representative Kermit Forbes. \u201cBut after decades without a strike, this vote reflects how serious these economic concerns have become and how determined our members are to fight for fair wages and respect on the job.\u201d<\/p>\n
A smaller union at the plant, also rejected the company\u2019s contract offer, but did not have enough votes to strike.<\/p>\n
Sources say the work stoppage is expected to impact roughly 20 recent non-union hires as well.<\/p>\n
In its statement, IAM Local 1211 indicated that it remains ready to return to the bargaining table and urges Parker Lord to present a proposal that recognizes the value, skill, and dedication of its workforce.<\/p>\n
Erie News Now has reached out to company officials for a statement, and are waiting for a response.<\/p>\n
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