People at Muscle Shoals' largest employer are on strike.
United Steelworkers and employees of Constellium stood outside of the company on Wednesday in a picket line with signs saying they are on strike. One sign said they were on strike because of unfair labor practices.
None of the people on strike said they could speak on camera because they'd rather have a union rep talk for them. The Constellium parking lot, which is normally full this time of day with employees, was empty.
The aluminum manufacturing plant is located at 4805 East 2nd Street in Muscle Shoals.
The company provided this statement:
Constellium Muscle Shoals LLC has been in negotiations with the United Steelworkers Union, Local 200 and was informed late on December 15, 2020 that members had voted down the latest collective bargaining agreement proposal. Its members then went on strike at midnight.
Constellium Muscle Shoals has offered a very competitive agreement, which provides regular pay raises, strong healthcare and other benefits, as well as ongoing training and development opportunities. We believe that this offer respects the contributions of our employees, protects jobs for local families, and positions the plant for future business.
As the holidays approach and the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to create challenges for families and businesses, we look forward to resolving this matter for the mutual benefit of all our employees, our customers and the company.
BREAKING NEWS: Steel Workers Union and Constellium employees are on strike in Muscle Shoals. The plant parking lot is empty. Employees are here holding signs. pic.twitter.com/PjQCFGz01l
— Breken Terry (@brekenWAAY31) December 16, 2020