Some 94 members of the local United Auto Workers, Local 1391 (UAW) union were still on strike at CVR Partners LP’s East Dubuque, Ill., nitrogen plant as of Jan. 24, easily passing the three-month mark. The strike began on Oct. 18 (GM Oct. 20, 2023). CVR told Green Markets production continues at normal operations.
The UAW said a major point of contention is the maintenance of CVR’s 401K match, saying the company froze the match program in the past and did not pay a match one year, before later reinstating it. The UAW wants language to ensure that this does not happen again, claiming executives have received huge bonuses and shareholders have benefited.
“We are just another piece of equipment to them,” said one UAW member. UAW1391 said that in their most recent vote, 92% wanted to continue the strike and rejected CVR’s offer. CVR has not commented on the issues involved.