USW Condemns Siemens Plans for Olean Dresser-Rand Facility

More information, contact: Tony Montana – 412-562-2592 or tmontana@usw.org

Olean, N.Y. – The United Steelworkers (USW) today condemned Siemens Energy’s announced plan to stop production at the Dresser-Rand site in North Olean and lay off hundreds of workers, including more than 350 members of USW Local 4601.

USW District 4 Director Del Vitale called Siemens decision disrespectful to generations of workers who dedicated their careers to the company and to the community which has supported it.

“With almost 110 years of manufacturing history at stake, Siemens unilaterally determined our jobs and our community are expendable without consulting workers or notifying the union,” Vitale said. “We must urge management to reverse its catastrophic course.”

Vitale said that the USW would demand to negotiate over the company’s decision and if necessary, the effects of a closure.

“This plant supported our families and sustained this community for over 100 years, and Siemens owes the workers in Olean more consideration than it has given,” he said. “We will stand together to fight for respect and dignity for the men and women who built the company.”

USW International Secretary Treasurer John Shinn, who represents the union on the North American Siemens Labor Steering Committee, challenged the company for cutting employees’ voices out of the decision making process.

“We’re outraged that the USW was neither notified in advance nor offered an opportunity to meet with Siemens to discuss alternatives in Olean,” Shinn said. “We will stay united throughout this process, and our solidarity will be our best hope to preserve fairness and justice for workers and their families.”

The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in manufacturing, metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in public sector, service, tech and academic occupations.