American Fuji Seal workers seek answers, information ahead of announced lay-offs
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio
Monday, Oct. 23, 2023 — Fear. Uncertainty. Anxiety about the future.
These emotions and more filled the air of the Post 121 American Legion Hall during an emergency meeting of union USCAC last Friday afternoon.
More than 50 union employees of American Fuji Seal attended the meeting, hoping for more facts and more answers in regard to the company’s recently announced plans to lay off up to 79 employees.
Local union president John Rogers was joined by Chris Ormes, key staff of the United Steel Workers in District 8, to give the union members an update on continued discussions with the company regarding a number of contract issues that remain unresolved.
The somber atmosphere was punctuated by the worried looks on employees’ faces.
American Fuji Seal announced on Oct. 10th they planned to lay off up to 79 employees. It wasn’t until last Thursday evening that the company provided a list of the workers that would be laid off and reduced the number to 49 union members.
The uncertainty of knowing their fate has most union workers vocally unhappy with how the company is treating their union sisters and brothers. These are the same union workers who in the past have agreed to work extra overtime when asked to the company.
All most of the union members wanted was to know how — and if — the layoffs were going to affect them. One union member who was anticipating being laid off was already taking vacation time. He expected to stay on vacation up until the layoffs were effective.
In meetings with company representatives, the union has proposed voluntary separation agreements that would allow workers nearing retirement to leave early and allow a worker with less seniority to remain employed.
That proposal wasn’t well received by the company, Rodgers told the group.
The union is continuing to negotiate with the company and was set to meet again today, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023.
Chris Ormers reminded the union members that not all of their agreements with the company were in writing yet.
Ormes expressed his disappointment with the way the company has handled the layouts — first, by not letting affected workers know in a timely manner, and then by refusing to meet in person with union members to let them know what’s going on.
“We’ve gotten you everything that the collective bargaining agreement will let us get you,” Ormes said. “Our only leverage is to ask those being laid off to contact the company and ask them to do the right thing.”
Ormes suggested the company replace the Christmas angel program with a program to be angels and assist the families of laid-off workers who may struggle with affording Christmas for their families.
He asked the workers to stand tall and to rest assured that the union has their back.
Ormes said the company should show their employees who will be laid off the respect and dignity they deserve.
JUDGE-EXECUTIVE ATTENDS. Nelson County Judge-Executive Tim Hutchin attended the meeting and listened to the union leadership responses to the membership’s questions and concerns.
A number of local companies are still hiring, he noted. Hutchins promised to do what he can to help displaced workers and to make sure they found state and local resources to help out.
BRADFORD & BROOKS. Tune it at 11 a.m. Wednesday to WBRT 1320 AM, 97.1 FM, for Jim and Margie’s conversation with American Fuji Seal employees and union officials to talk about the coming layoffs.
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