Released on November 20, 2007

Accuride Corp., Evansville, Ind., recently announced a lockout of bargaining unit employees at its Gunite Foundry, Rockford, Ill.

Gunite Corp. and the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) union, Local No. 718, have been negotiating terms for a new collective bargaining agreement since Oct. 10. The company’s 2005-07 agreement with the UAW expired Nov. 17. The lockout was implemented on the evening of Nov. 18 after the two groups failed to reach an agreement.

According to a press release issued by Accuride, the company made an offer that union leadership rejected. The union represents approximately 150 hourly employees at the Rockford Foundry.

“This is a regrettable situation,” said Bruce Figi, director of operations at Gunite’s Rockford facility. “The lockout will continue until bargaining unit employees ratify a new collective bargaining agreement. Gunite will continue to operate the plant using salaried personnel and temporary contract workers.”

During the lockout, the two groups will continue to negotiate.

“[We have] worked to craft an agreement that meets the needs of the company and our employees,” Figi said. “It is unfortunate that our efforts have not yet resulted in ratification. But we are committed to reaching an agreement that protects the long-term economic health of the company, while fairly compensating our employees for their hard work and ongoing effort to create value for the company and our stakeholders.”

Gunite’s parent company, Accuride Corp., is a manufacturer of commercial vehicle components with a variety of plants in North America.