Union picketing at the Clarios battery plant in Holland, Ohio has been restricted following the issuance of a restraining order from an Ohio court.
Last week, more than 400 UAW union workers at the plant went on strike in response to failed negotiations about overtime pay and other concerns. This plant supplies batteries to assembly lines operated by Ford and GM but on Friday, the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas issued a restraining order to prevent any disruption to business operations and unsafe conditions on the picket line.
Clarios took the matter to court and noted a UAW picket laying on the pavement in front of the assembly plant. Auto News notes that the restraining order prevents pickets from congregating in groups of more than five within 100 feet of any plant entrance. Additionally, pickets cannot obstruct the plant entrances and must remain upright and standing. They can also not be on Clarios property or come within five feet of vehicles entering or exiting the plant, the restraining order states.
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“Using the courts as a weapon against working people standing up for their rights is extremely disrespectful,” UAW Region 2B director David Green said. “Clarios doesn’t need a judge to help them end this dispute – they need to come back to the bargaining table with a serious offer that our members can accept.”
Clarios will meet with the UAW bargaining committee this week to help resolve the dispute.
“We’re still optimistic that we can reach an agreement,” a Clarios spokesperson added. “However, while the dispute is ongoing it is critically important that everyone maintain professionalism both on-site and on the picket line — even more so given the emotions which are always in play in any labor dispute. For that reason, we are grateful the court took the action it did for the company, our employees and the community.”