BorgWarner Representative Release Statement on Union Workers on Strike in Lansing

UPDATE 09/10/2024: Teamsters 317 Union Members working for BorgWarner continue to strike Tuesday morning. Senator Lea Webb's office and BorgWarner's Communication department released statements about the issue at hand.

"BorgWarner is working closely and collaboratively with Teamsters Local 317 on a contract agreement," says Michelle Collins, Global Director, Marketing and Public Relations for BorgWarner. "We respect the law, the Union, and the rights of our employees to engage in collective bargaining. BorgWarner has been working to reach a sustainable agreement with the Teamsters that will improve the lives of our workforce. BorgWarner has presented several proposals that provide substantial wage increases, additional paid time off, and other improvements to the Teamsters but the proposals have not been accepted. BorgWarner is seeking a fair and sustainable contract that continues to provide top-tier jobs for our employees. Key topics are wages, benefits, time off, and overtime."

Additionally, Senator Lea Webb's office released a separate statement reading in part: 

“We stand with the Teamsters Local 317 workers who are on strike for wages that reflect the cost of living and for adequate pension and insurance provisions at BorgWarner. These union workers are part of the critical auto parts  manufacturing industry in the state and country. Their labor is essential, not just to the economy but to ensure our region and State continue to thrive. The economic wellbeing of these Union workers as well as that of our community will suffer if they are not paid a true living wage with adequate benefits. We call on all parties to engage in good faith negotiations and reach a fair contract agreement," says Sen. Lea Webb and Assemblymember Anna Kelles. 


LANSING, N.Y. (WENY) -- Union workers at Borg Warner in Lansing have gone on strike after their contract expired at midnight Monday. Members of Teamsters Local 317 are pushing for a new deal that addresses wages, better benefits, and improved work-life balance.

“We’re just asking for a fair contract, keeping up with inflation," says Lane Yon, Strike Leader. "We need more time with our families and a matched pension for retirees, along with better insurance.”

Hundreds of workers at the Lansing plant say their demands reflect the needs of the current workforce. They're seeking fair wage increases to keep up with inflation, better health insurance, and more paid time off. Despite rejecting Borg Warner’s “last best and final” contract offer on Friday, union members remain hopeful for a new agreement.
 
The union is asking for a 20% raise over four years. Employees say they want to return to work,  but believe they deserve a fair share of the company’s success.
 
New York Senator Lea Webb's Office alongside Assemblymember Anna Kelles shared a statement with WENY News on the strike:
“We stand with the Teamsters Local 317 workers who are on strike for wages that reflect the cost of living and for adequate pension and insurance provisions at Borg Warner. These union workers are part of the critical auto parts manufacturing industry. Their labor is essential, not just to the economy but to ensure our region and State continue to thrive. We call on all parties to engage in good faith negotiations and reach a fair contract agreement.”
 
The strike follows the company's 2023 announcement that it plans to shift some production to Mexico by 2026.
 

The 700 union workers involved in the strike plan will continue picketing around the clock until a new agreement is reached. Borg Warner has not yet commented to WENY News on the strike.

 


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