BARBOURSVILLE, W. Va., Oct. 14, 2021 – Fifty members of Machinists Union Local 598 (District 54) who had been on a two week strike for a fair contract at Sulzer Pumps in Barboursville have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new, improved collective bargaining agreement. Machining and foundry workers will return to work on the night of Sunday, Oct. 17.

Highlights of the new three-year agreement include:

–       Fully secures seniority rights that protect good West Virginia jobs

–       Wage increases in each year of the agreement, including back-dated wage increases from the beginning of strike

–       A new pension plan with an employer match

–       Stabilizes healthcare for life of the agreement

“I’m so proud of IAM Local 598 members for standing strong and winning the contract that themselves and their families deserve,” said IAM District 54 President and Directing Business Representative T. Dean Wright, Jr. “Thanks to their determination and the support of the community, we have protected some of the best careers in the area. Our members look forward to getting back to work building a great product right here in Barboursville.”

IAM District 54 represents more than 14,000 active and retired members in West Virginia, Ohio, northeastern Indiana, and Michigan. 

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airline, railroad, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.

@DistrictLodge54 | @MachinistsUnion