ILION, N.Y. – The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has decided to investigate Remington Arms after the company decided to deny former employees severance and other benefits, according to Congressman Anthony Brindisi, D-22.
Brindisi sent a letter to the NLRB last week, after Remington workers started rallying to demand the benefits promised in their collective bargaining agreement with the company. Remington workers are represented by the United Mine Workers of America union, Local 717.
“This investigation by the NLRB is a victory for the hardworking men and women of UMWA Local 717 and for all union jobs,” said Brindisi. “The workers in Ilion deserve to be treated with dignity and they must not be denied the benefits they fought for. I am glad the NLRB listened to our call and I will keep working to see this investigation through to the end. We must ensure these workers have the support they need and that Remington’s outgoing owners are held accountable.”
Remington laid off more than 600 employees after filing for bankruptcy and selling parts of the company to various bidders. The new owners of the Ilion location, Roundhill Group, says they plan to keep around 250 workers at the factory.
Brindisi’s opponent for the 22nd District seat in Congress, Claudia Tenney, says she has met with the new owners of the Ilion plant about getting the remaining employees back to work as soon as possible.
