Talks to resume in weeklong Machinists' strike

Talks will resume Friday in an attempt to end a weeklong strike by more than 350 members of the Machinists’ union at Polar Tank Trailer in Holdingford, just north of St. Cloud. Representatives of the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers, District Lodge 165, Local 623, and the company will meet at 9 a.m. Friday, union representative Colleen Murphy-Cooney said.

The workers voted overwhelmingly Dec. 1 to reject the company’s proposed contract language that would compromise job security. The company would not agree to a contract extension to continue bargaining without disrupting the plant’s production. The workers were left with no choice but to strike, the union said.

Concern about jobs being outsourced “is the main sticking point,” in the contract talks, Murphy-Cooney said.

Polar Tank Trailer manufactures tanks for transporting oil, dry bulk goods and other products.

The workers, who are not receiving any strike benefits, are picketing 24 hours a day outside the plant, located at 12810 County Road 17, Holdingford. Union and community members are encouraged to stop by to offer their support. Donations to support the strikers also may be sent to IAM Local 623, 1903 4th St. N., St. Cloud, MN 56303.

Barb Kucera

I edit the Workday Minnesota news site, www.workdayminnesota.org