Foundry Workers Fight for Vacation Pay & Severance

Former Ft. Wayne Foundry workers laid off two weeks ago are fighting to get vacation pay they say they were promised by the company. About 600 workers lost their jobs. Phil Spralding with the UAW Local 2242 says the foundry has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Different unions represent the approximately 600 workers laid off including the GMP Local 285 which represents workers at the Lima Road location. The Lima Road location depended upon General Motors for 100% of its business. Union representatives tell Fox Fort Wayne News they have asked the company to give workers payment for vacation time that was not taken. Workers are allowed three weeks of vacation which if not taken is worth $1,500 after taxes. For many workers who are jobless the vacation money is money they need to pay their bills now that they do not have a paycheck. Bill Spaulding worked at the foundry for ten years. He says he made plans based on his belief he would be paid for vacation time he did not take. Spaulding has a wife and five children to support. He is currently in danger of losing his home. Severance packages are also being asked for. The workers current contract does not give them severance packages. However, in light of the mass layoffs union representatives are still fighting to get severance packages. Willie Hamilton with the GMP Local 285 is set to meet with company representatives on Friday regarding employees requests for vacation pay and severance packages.