Clifford-Jacobs Lockout Ends

After a five-month lockout, the employees at the Clifford-Jacobs steel forgings plant north of Champaign are back on the job.  A four-year contract was approved by three unions last week.

Illinois Public Media's Jeff Bossert talked with the Champaign News-Gazette’s Tom Kacich, who says terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.  He said the 70 employees who walked off the job are just happy to be working again.

In a joint press release, the company and its unions calls the facility a "mainstay" in Champaign County. 

"Though the forging industry continues to go through some challenging times, our new contract maintains good compensation and benefits for employees while allowing Clifford-Jacobs to remain competitive in the markets it serves." said Human Resources Manager Jeffrey Baker.  "That is important for customers, employees and the company alike."

Clifford-Jacobs’ plant is owned by IMT Forge Group, based in Ontario, Canada.

Unions covered in the labor contract include International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local #601, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, Local #1626 and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local #1000.