Falcon Foundry workers to strike through weekend

Staff report

LOWELLVILLE

Falcon Foundry Co. and United Steelworkers Local 5025 have reached a tentative agreement on the workers’ contracts.

The agreement includes more money for wages and no increase in the cost of benefits, explained Joe Holcomb, international staff representative for the USW, who is representing the workers.

Part-time employees at the company still will be considered part-time. 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.

About 100 workers will vote on the agreement Sunday. Until then, they will remain on strike outside of the Lowellville bronze- and copper-casting plant.

More than two dozen Falcon Foundry strikers camped on the corner of Third Street and East Water Street through Friday.

Strikers have been at that location since midnight Thursday, seeking higher wages and benefits for workers, members of Local 5025. Foundry workers voted down the company’s contract offer late Wednesday.

The Falcon Foundry president and vice president met with the union president and recording secretary at 10 a.m. Friday at the Lowellville city hall to come to an agreement on employee wages and benefits. A mediator helped negotiate the situation.

Phil Rotunno, strike coordinator, said about 100 full-time and part-time Falcon Foundry workers are participating in the strike.

Despite rainy weather, Rotunno said the workers stood strong Friday with usually 25 to 30 workers on the picket line. Workers built a fire and started a cookout.

Rotunno said things have been peaceful between strikers and Falcon Foundry management. He said there was extra security at Falcon Foundry on Friday.