Some 94 members of the local United Auto Workers, Local 1391 (UAW) union went on strike on Oct. 18 at CVR Partners LP’s East Dubuque, Ill., nitrogen plant. The complex, which produces ammonia and UAN, reportedly has approximately 150 employees.
“East Dubuque Nitrogen Fertilizers LLC’s most recent union contract with UAW, Local 1391 expired on Oct. 17 following the company’s good faith collective bargaining with representatives of the company and the union,” said Brandee Stephens, CVR Senior Director, Corporate and Governmental Affairs, in a statement.
“While we value our relationship with the UAW, Local 1391 membership and are disappointed that a new contract has not been agreed upon, we have contingency plans in place to help maintain safe and reliable operations and provide uninterrupted service to our customers,” the statement added.
CVR did not respond to further questions. A UAW official told the Telegraph Herald that a major point of contention was the maintenance of CVR’s 401K match, saying the company froze the match program in the past before later reinstating it.