Statement of UAW Region 2B Director Wayne Blanchard on Collins Aerospace Lockout and Refusal to Bargain in Good Faith for Troy Area Workers and Families

Toledo - “UAW members at Collins Aerospace go to work every day to make quality parts for aerospace and defense that are vital to the American public. In return they ask for a fair contract to protect and raise their families. After receiving a last, best and final offer on February 16 UAW members voted overwhelmingly Saturday 230 to 37 against the company's offer.

UAW Local 128 members have been told that they will be locked out by Collins Aerospace at midnight Sunday, instead of the company in good faith trying to collectively bargain with their employees for adequate pay, benefits and health and safety provisions. UAW members are clear that they have offered to work while continuing to bargain.

It is a slap in the face to the Local 128 members, their families and the community that Collins refuses to continue bargaining in good faith and choose the route of hardship for their own employees and their families. We ask that Collins return to the table in good faith and respect the collective bargaining rights of their employees. And we ask the community to support our members during this difficult time.”