Workers' suit against UAW goes forward

YOUNGSTOWN — A federal court judge has denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit

that was filed by 28 workers at the Lordstown General Motors plant against United Auto Workers Local 1112.

The case, Mark Dragomier et al. v. International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America, Local 1112, is the result of 28 GM Lordstown

employees’ alleging GM and the unions violated the collective-bargaining agreement. Those filing the suit seek more than $3 million in back pay.

The union had asked for a summary judgment dismissing the lawsuit based on two factors: The complaints not being within the statute of limitations and the plaintiffs have not exhausted their internal appeals process. U.S. District Judge Benita Y. Pearson

denied those claims and has allowed the suit to go forward. The suit was initially filed April 30, 2011.

The 28 workers are also seeking permanent positions with proper pay and benefits, according to the suit.

Tom Mock, communications manager for GM in Lordstown and Parma, said he could not comment on the suit. Glenn Johnson, president of UAW 1112, also declined to comment.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com