Vallourec workers reject unionization effort


YOUNGSTOWN — Vallourec plant workers have rejected an effort to join the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America.

The vote was 367-148, union officials said this morning.

The election at the Vallourec facility ended at 8 a.m. today. Vallourec produces steel pipes for the oil and gas industry.

Pro-union employees said last week the vote was the result of a nearly yearlong organizing
 effort aimed at protecting worker wages and benefits and other concerns.

Judson Wallace, president of Vallourec Star, had said in a statement at the time that unionization would benefit neither the company nor its employees.

“While we support the rights of employees to choose whether they wish to organize a union, we do not believe this would add value, foster teamwork or add to the competitiveness of the company,” Wallace said.

“Vallourec Star employees enjoy competitive wage rates and positive working conditions, which they receive without a union,” he said.

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