Strike Averted at Dorsey Plant

Threatened work stoppages over the weekend of May 1 failed to materialize at the Elba, Ala., plant of Dorsey Trailers, and work proceeded this week under a negotiated agreement that was ratified on May 3.

A previous three-year contract expired at the company's only unionized plant, prompting members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1769 to prepare to walk out Saturday after rejecting a new contract proposal.

Instead, work continued at the plant through Saturday afternoon, and bargaining continued through Sunday night. By Monday, there was agreement on a proposed three-year contract that union officials said they would recommend for ratification.

Employees reported for regular shifts on Monday and worked under the terms of the new contract, which have not been disclosed.

Marilyn Marks, chief executive officer of Dorsey, said one of the benefits of the new contract "will be increased flexibility for employee work assignments, which will allow more consistent work flow through the plant and quicker response time to customer needs."

Dorsey also operates facilities at Carterville, Ga., and Dillon, S.C.

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