FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 24, 2021
[ILION, N.Y.] United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts said today that “the time for negotiating a contract at the RemArms plant in Ilion through the media needs to end,” and called on Roundhill CEO Richmond Italia to meet face-to-face and complete negotiations for an agreement.
“While I appreciate Mr. Italia’s comments to the media on Monday that recognized the UMWA as the collective bargaining agent for the workers at the Ilion plant, I was mystified by his statement that we are ‘almost there’ with respect to an agreement,” Roberts said. “We are not almost there. Let’s get down to the real business of reaching an agreement that is fair and reasonable for everyone.”
Roberts pointed out that the UMWA has represented the workers at the plant for 25 years, negotiating contract after contract without a strike or disruption. “We agree with Mr. Italia that these are the most professional and productive workers in the arms manufacturing industry anywhere in America,” Roberts said. “We think it is a smart decision to ensure that the company has their expertise and dedication going forward.
“They need the security that comes from having a union contract as they go back to work,” Roberts said. “I am willing to meet Mr. Italia at any time, remotely or face-to-face. I am prepared to work day and night to get this done. The workers at that plant and the communities that depend on it deserve nothing less.”
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