United Steelworkers members at Cottage Grove’s 3M chemicals plant have given union leaders the authority to strike amidst ongoing contract negotiations.
Negotiations between 3M and the union started up two months ago. Members voted before Labor Day to give strike authorization to union leaders to demonstrate the urgency of reaching an agreement, said Brian Ecker, a United Steelworkers staff member.
“It’s a way to tell the company that we’re moving forward and willing to strike if we have to,” Ecker said.
Ecker declined to address specific points of contention within the contract negotiations.
The previous contract covered roughly 400 workers at the plant.
That three-year contract is on extension until Saturday, said 3M spokeswoman Fanna Haile-Selassie.
“Our goal is to continue to find ways to keep operating successfully while still offering competitive pay and benefits,” she said. “We’re confident we can reach a fair contract.”
Union leaders and 3M officials are set to meet this Friday to discuss the contract, Ecker said.