PERU, IN—Attempts by the International Association of Machinists to offer Schneider Electric economic concessions to keep its Square D plant open in Peru, Indiana have failed.
Tony Wickersham, a grand lodge representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), which represents the plant, says that the union “proposed ways for Schneider Electric to save money through wages and benefits, but the company wasn’t persuaded,” according to the Goshen News.
“We made proposals to show the company some additional savings that might have them change their minds to stay, and they’re still intent to close,” Wickersham said. “We tried to show them how much saving we could create through different means, but they’re moving the plant.”
Schneider Electric had announced plans to transfer all production to its Schneider Electric’s facility in Texas, and one other East Coast plant back in February.
The Peru plant was the site of a 2014 strike that idled the facility for two weeks.
Although union leaders claimed they won the strike at the time, the company announced major layoffs in 2016.
“In 2017, around 70 workers were terminated, followed by 61 more employees in 2018. The layoffs marked a 25-percent reduction in the workforce at the Peru plant,” reported the Kokomo Tribune.
