Davis Vision's Newtown Square Lab Employees Authorize Strike; Company Pledges to Fulfill Eyeglass Orders Without Service Interruption

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa., Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- IEU/CWA Local 81408, the Optical Workers Union that represents associates at Davis Vision's Newtown Square eyeglass manufacturing facility, authorized a strike on Sunday, Jan. 22. Approximately 115 employees are covered under the bargaining unit contract.

The international union (IUE/CWA) has not endorsed the strike.

"We are disappointed that associates have foregone ratification of what we believe to be a contract that is fair, generous and structured to benefit our employees while positioning our company for continued growth," said Davis Vision President Steve Holden. "Our clients have chosen Davis Vision because of our earned reputation for service along with timely and quality eyeglass production in this facility, and we are fortunate to have the full capacity of our HVHC lab system available to us to ensure our quality standards are maintained and we are able to fulfill our current and future orders."

Business operations will continue without interruption during strike activities, and Davis Vision has taken appropriate measures to continue to ensure a safe and productive work environment for those associates who choose to cross the picket line and continue to work.

The company has negotiated for more than 10 months to reach a new labor agreement. Key elements of the contract Davis Vision proposed, but rejected by the union include a 2.75 percent annual wage increase in each of three contract years, an immediate market rate wage increase for 32 percent of the work force, which raises the total first year wage increase approximately 6.6 percent, and a freeze on employee medical contributions this year. Also a $350 lump sum payment in each year of the contract was promised along with a production incentive plan with payment potential for quality production of up to $9.50 per hour for all lab associates.

"Many employees value the work environment we provide in Southeastern Pa. and do not support the local union's actions," said Holden. "We expect they will continue to work in our Newtown Square facility. We have worked diligently to come to a fair and equitable agreement that provides a secure environment for employees, which at the same time positions all of us for the uncertainties we face in an ever-changing economic environment. We are confident that we can still achieve those goals." 

SOURCE Davis Vision