OPOLE - The air is frigid, but the streets in the tiny town of Opole are nevertheless lined with hundreds of striking manufacturing plant workers today.

Polar Tank Trailer, LLC, the country's largest manufacturer of tank trailers, has reportedly reached an impasse in negotiating a collective bargaining agreement with over 350 workers, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 165.

Employees like Jim Storlie argue that Polar has seen hiring increases and record profits in recent years - and is trying to capitalize on that by cutting worker wages and benefits.

However, Polar's Marketing Manager Tim Kelly says the compensation package the company is offering is fair by industry standards.

This is not the first time the Opole plant has seen a shutdown due to a contractual stalemate. Polar Tank workers spent three weeks on strike in 2005 under the same set of circumstances.

The plant employs roughly 350 people.  The strike is resultant of failed negotiations over the past two weeks.

Polar Tank Trailer LLC is currently operating on a limited basis.

 

More From AM 1240 WJON