Union at Brentwood will vote on new pact

YOUNGSTOWN — Union workers at Brentwood Originals will vote on a new contract at 6 p.m. today at ITAMS Post 3, 115 S. Meridian Road, reported Hattie Wilkins, union president.

About 180 workers walked off the job March 7 in a dispute over pay and medical benefits. Local Steelworkers of America Local 1-598 called the strike after granting a one-month extension to its last contract, which expired Feb. 6.

“The offer has increased substantially,” said Wilkins, who declined to give any details until after the vote.

A previous offer was rejected.

Workers start out at $9.15 an hour; the company had offered to raise that by 75 cents an hour in a four-year contract. The top wage is $10.62.

The company also pays the full premium for medical insurance but the annual deductible has risen from $250 to $750.

Brentwood Originals, on North Meridian Road, makes decorative pillows.