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September 18, 2016 
By Steven Wishnia and Neal Tepel
Waterford, NY – The main labor union at one of the Albany area’s top five manufacturers announced Sept. 9 that it was terminating its contract with the company, effective Sept. 19.
“Our primary goal is get a new, fair contract,” said Dom Patrignani, president of IUE-CWA Local 81359, which represents 700 workers at the Momentive Performance Material silicone and sealant company. The announcement came after more than 85% of the union’s members had voted to reject a proposed three-year deal that would have given them raises but cut their health and pension benefits, and also reduced health care for retirees. Momentive said it had “offered a fair and market-competitive contract” and that it was “prepared to operate our sites without our union employees.” Patrignani said a strike is possible. Communications Workers of America President Chris Shelton would make the final decision on one. Read more
