Moraine, Ohio — Over Two thousand union members, Dayton-area residents, family members and 
supporters from throughout Ohio and Indiana turned out on Wednesday October 25th, to show support for Fuyao Glass Plant workers who on October 16 filed a request with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for a representation election at the Ohio plant. 7The NLRB election is schedule8d for November 8th at the plant. Fuyao workers cite a pattern of unsafe workplace conditions, arbitrary policies and unfair and unequal treatment on the job. Their worries about workplace safety have led to complaints and fines against Fuyao by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
“We want Fuyao workers to know that they’re not alone. We’re here and we support them,” said Rich Rankin, UAW Region 2B director. “There are thousands of people here to show them that there is strength in unity and they can stand tall and feel assured that they have strong support,” Rankin said.
“We’re not just union members, but we’re taxpayers and community members as well,” said Brian Martin, president of UAW Local 696 in Dayton. “State and local taxpayers have invested over $20 million in subsidies to make this plant successful. In return, Fuyao has an obligation to provide our community with good, stable jobs.”
Workers say they want to produce quality products and help the company grow, but face the constant fear that any day they could be fired without warning, notice or sufficient reason. They are fighting for fair procedures and policies that give all Fuyao workers equal treatment.
“Seeing all these people coming out to support us reminds me that I am part of something big that can make a real difference for me and my coworkers,” said Fuyao worker Jeremy Grant.
