Workers report that production at the plant has been completely shut down by the walkout, which involves about 300 members of the Textile and Garment division of Local 726T of the United Food and Commercial Workers union.

At the picket line, one striker, a 28-year veteran who didn't want his name used, explained the lack of respect the company has for the workforce. "Bruce Jennings, the company president, told our negotiators that us older workers weren't productive. They offered us an early out, but the pension is only $16 per month for each year of service. Who'd take that?"

The company wants a four year contract with pensions frozen in the first and third years. The union is asking for a three-year contract with increased pensions.

The company has also used scare tactics to get the workers to give in. Kepich reported that the bosses openly pointed to the plants in the area that have either had big layoffs or closed recently, such as Corning Glass, Techneglas, Topps Baseball Cards, Thompson Electronics, and the Gould battery factory. "They told us to 'look at how many of our members were over 50 years old. What will they do if we close?'" said Kepich.

Another important issue is the health-care plan. The company is demanding an end to the traditional Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage, which the majority are enrolled in, and a major increase of the weekly "co-payments" workers have to pay for individual coverage. Family coverage would be even higher. The company is also demanding worker co-payments for the vision and eyeglass coverage. Joe Jaworski noted that "even if they gave us the wage increase we want, it would all be eaten up by the higher deductions. We'd be taking home less money."

Schott Glass Technologies is part of the Schott Group, based in Germany. It employs 19,000 people worldwide with annual sales of about $1.9 billion. It manufactures products such as glass for optical lenses for glasses and microscopes, fiber optics, and computer monitors.

Support for the strike was evident as many of the drivers passing by in their cars honked their horns. Members of Teamsters and UFCW locals have been by to pledge their support as well.  
 
 
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