Midwest Metal Employees Decertify From Union

Jul. 26–Employees at Midwest Metal Products in Cedar Rapids, who formed a union in May 2004, voted to decertify from the union last month.

Workers voted 35-30 to decertify from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, according to the National Labor Relations Board.

Results of the June 28 election initially showed the company winning 31-30, with four challenged votes. The eventual outcome allowed the votes in favor of decertifying from the union.

The family-owned business provides metal fabrication services to companies in aerospace and other industries.

Midwest Metal Products President Kevin Urban was pleased with the outcome, saying it is “almost impossible” to compete in the company’s markets as a unionized shop.

He said none of the companies Midwest Metal Products must bid against for business are unionized.

The decertification vote was taken after prolonged differences on an initial contract.

IAM Business Agent Joe Ironside said employees sought a union to pursue their needs in such areas as affordable health care, layoff and recall rights and job bidding rights. He said that if the company does not address those issues within the next year, workers will again have the right to unionize and seek a contract.

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