American Standard closes in anticipation of walk-out

SALEM — American Standards Brands said it will close its plant at 1 p.m. today in response to officials of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 1538, who scheduled a walk-out at that time.

According to a company statement, American Standard, in a show of good faith, has decided that all employees will be paid for four hours time for today, regardless of their normally scheduled shift. That includes employees on the off-shifts who did not have the opportunity to work because of the suspension of production.

The plant will remain open for normal operations Monday. Workers who report will be paid under the company’s new contract.