USW Accuses AP Green of Unfair Labor Practices, Unlawful Lockout at Ohio Refractory Plant

News provided by

May 12, 2015, 09:15 ET

PITTSBURGH, May 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that the union has filed unfair labor practices against AP Green Refractories, Inc. on behalf of more than 40 Local 2324-5 members who have been locked out of their jobs at the company's Oak Hill, Ohio production facility since April 15, 2015.

In charges filed with Region 9 of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in Cincinnati, the union alleges that AP Green management has unlawfully locked out workers, conducted illegal surveillance of union members and failed to provide information the USW considers necessary to conduct good faith negotiations.

USW District 1 Director Dave McCall called on AP Green to end its illegal lockout immediately and negotiate in good faith with the union for a fair contract.

"Our members belong at their jobs in the plant instead of on the picket line," McCall said. "AP Green should abandon its drive to starve them into accepting unfair and unnecessary concessions."

McCall urged management to obey federal labor laws and said the USW will continue to support the locked-out workers.

"AP Green will not escape responsibility for the company's decision to hold our jobs, families and community hostage over issues that should be resolved through collective bargaining," McCall said. "We owe the members of Local 2324-5 a debt of gratitude for standing up and fighting back."

The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in public sector and service occupations.

More information, contact: Tony Montana – (412) 562-2592; [email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080131/DC12982LOGO

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)