UPDATED | Falcon Foundry workers are on strike

LOWELLVILLE — Workers at Falcon Foundry are on strike today.

Wages and the cost the workers pay for benefits are some of the primary reasons, said Joe Holcomb, international staff representative for the United Steel Workers who is representing the Local 5025 workers at the copper and bronze casting company on Sixth Street in Lowellville.

"It's been a festering situation down there for awhile," Holcomb said.

A major issue is with 22 part-time employees who work full-time hours, but do not get paid like other full-timers and do not receive benefits, Holcomb said.

The workers voted down the company's contract and set up picket lines late Wednesday.

"Most of the guys at the plant they feel they should have a bigger pay raise," Holcomb said.

The company's contract with the employees expired Sept. 30.

“The company believes we have put forth a generous offer," Falcon Foundry Vice-President Skip Slaven said. "We are extremely disappointed in the vote to strike.

"The company takes pride in the treatment of our employees and we are hopeful that the issue can be resolved. Falcon Foundry has not locked out the employees and will do our best to maintain operations during this time."

A mediator will come in on Friday morning for negotiations, Holcomb said.

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