IAM Local 1297 Members Stand Strong for Fairness and the Future of Toledo’s Glass Industry

Proudly known as America's "Glass City," Toledo's legacy has always been shaped by the skill, pride, and solidarity of its working people. Today, IAM Local 1297 (District 54) members at Libbey Glass are carrying that legacy forward - standing together for fairness, respect, and a strong future for their families and community.

Since Aug. 23, IAM Local 1297 members joined their fellow unions at Libbey Glass in taking the difficult but united step to strike in protest of the company's unfair labor practices after the company failed to bargain in good faith.

This fight isn't about conflict - it's about commitment. From the very first day on the line, IAM members have stood shoulder to shoulder, united in their resolve to win a fair contract and protect the hard-earned rights that generations of Toledo glassworkers have built.

"We're standing together not just for ourselves, but for the next generation of glassmakers in Toledo," said Dan Canterberry, IAM Local 1297 Chief Shop Steward. "We take pride in what we do, and we're determined to make sure these good union jobs stay strong in our community for years to come."

IAM Union members have cited core issues that strike at the heart of fairness and respect in the workplace -mandatory overtime provisions that restrict time with family, attempts to strip the union and members of key rights and protections, and rising health insurance costs. Through it all, IAM members have remained positive and organized, united by a shared belief in the dignity of work and the power of solidarity.

The IAM Union, alongside three other unions representing more than 500 Libbey Glass employees, has remained organized, disciplined, and optimistic throughout this campaign. Despite the company's continued refusal to bargain in good faith - which led to the IAM's filing of multiple Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges - workers have stayed united and professional, backed by broad community support.

"Libbey Glass exists today because working people sacrificed to help this company through its hardest times," said IAM District 54 President and Directing Business Representative T. Dean Wright, Jr. "Now, our members are showing that same resolve - standing strong, organized, and unified as they fight for the respect and fairness they deserve. The community is standing with them every step of the way."

What to help our members on strike on Libbey Glass?

Click here for a letter requesting assistance for IAM members standing for fairness at Libbey Glass. Click here to donate to the IAM Strike Fund.

"It's inspiring to see the community rally around these members," said Strike Captain Chris Emmitt. "There's pride on this line - people smiling, holding signs, supporting one another. We're here because we believe in fairness and a better future for everyone at Libbey."

"I couldn't be prouder of the solidarity and determination shown by our members at Libbey Glass," said IAM Union Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. "They've stood together with strength and dignity, backed by their community, to defend the rights and fairness that generations before them fought hard to achieve. The IAM Eastern Territory stands firmly behind them - and we will continue to support these members until they secure the fair contract they've earned."

IAM leadership has made it clear that the union will continue to stand by the members at Libbey Glass for as long as it takes for the company to bargain in good faith.

"The IAM will use every resource at our disposal to defend our members' rights," said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. "This is about fairness, respect, and ensuring that the next generation of Toledo's glassworkers can build a future with dignity. Our members at Libbey are proving every day that when we stand together, we can win together."

The IAM's presence in Toledo reflects not only a proud labor tradition but also the continued strength of solidarity. Members of IAM Local 1297 remain united, confident, and focused - determined to achieve a fair contract that ensures good wages, affordable healthcare, and strong protections for their families and their community's future.