IAM Members to Strike Polar’s Opole Facility

Dec. 6, 2011
Polar Tank Trailer LLC announced that employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 165 have elected to strike the company’s manufacturing facility in Opole, Minn

Polar Tank Trailer LLC announced that employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 165 have elected to strike the company’s manufacturing facility in Opole, Minn.

The Opole plant produces stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon steel tank trailers for liquid bulk products.

Polar’s facilities in Holdingford, Minn., and Springfield, Mo., are not affected.

In response, Polar has activated contingencies to ensure the continued production of tank trailers at Opole.

IAM Local 165 represents approximately 365 employees at the Opole plant. The collective bargaining agreement between Polar and the union expired on Nov. 30.

Within the past year, Polar has secured new five-year labor agreements with employees at Holdingford, Minn. and Springfield, Mo.

“Investing in our employees is one way we can help our customers be more competitive and efficient,” said Frank Lukacs, president of Polar Tank Trailer. “We’re committed to negotiating an agreement that will benefit our employees and help us meet the quality, cost, and delivery expectations of our customers.”