Ryan calls for quick end to Lipton strike
AUSTINTOWN – U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan is urging bargaining and a quick resolution to a week-old strike at a township beverage distributor.
In a letter sent Monday to Mordechai Lipton, president of R.L. Lipton Distributing Co., Ryan called the labor disruption “perplexing and troubling to the workers.”
“When radical disruptions are engaged no one wins, and the consequences for the local community are felt by many who are not even involved in the process,” Ryan said. “I am hopeful that you and your negotiating team will return to the good faith bargaining process that can be used to reach a fair and equitable agreement for all sides.”
About 23 workers represented by Teamsters Local 377 walked off the job June 25 citing pay and health care as the main sticking points. Since then, the company has been using non-union workers to deliver beverages to area retailers.
Union officials say they remain hopeful talks will resume soon. Calls to the company for comment have not been returned.