At 3 p.m. today, dozens of Omnova Solutions Inc. employees had left the Columbus plant and taken to the street, preferring to strike rather than accept what they term “unfair labor practices.”
A company spokesperson said changes to a proposed contract were made in an attempt to remain competitive at a plant where employee flexibility and plant efficiency is in question. Workers maintain the plant is incentive-driven, and a contract taking away those incentives, such as the “final proposal” made by Omnova on May 15, takes away those incentives and is unacceptable. They also believe business is good at the plant.
Workers said they are prepared to strike “as long as it takes.” The company also is willing to hold out. An Omnova spokesperson said the plant is prepared to continue production to meet customer demands indefinitely.
Omnova produces commercial wall coverings, upholstery, specialty chemicals and other products.
The Columbus plant employs 174 hourly workers and 95 salaried employees.
For more on this story as it develops, visit cdispatch.com and read the Sunday edition of The Dispatch.
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