Workers at Bradford White, a major water‑heating manufacturer in West Michigan, have been on strike for six weeks after rejecting a tentative collective bargaining agreement. The strike, led by UAW Local 1002, involves roughly 1,300 employees who continue to picket while negotiations restart.
Negotiations resume
On Monday, the bargaining committee returned to the table, saying the company hopes to present a new proposal for members to consider. UAW Local 1002 alternate committeeman Dan Snowden explained that concerns over contract language and wages drove the rejection. “They’re still not up to the wages where they wanted to,” he said.
Snowden added that the workforce remains prepared to stay on the picket line as talks continue. “We’re all standing strong and willing to hold out a little bit longer,” he affirmed.
Impact on workers and families
Among those affected is Jason Snell, who is recovering from knee surgery and receiving physical therapy. Last week, Snell told FOX 17 that interruptions to his disability payments left him unable to keep up with his mortgage, forcing him to move in with his parents in Grand Rapids. When revisited on Monday, Snell said he is currently earning more by participating in the strike one day a week than he would receive through short‑term disability, but he still needs to return to work to survive.
Local businesses feel the strain
The nearby Snack Shack, owned by Ed Postma, reports slower business due to the picket line. Postma has offered food discounts and inexpensive hot dogs to striking workers and allowed picketers to park behind his restaurant to avoid congested streets. “We’re letting everybody park in the backyard so they don’t have to walk a long way,” he said.
Postma expressed hope that workers and the company can reach an agreement soon. “I just hope they vote something through and everybody’s happy,” he added.
Company response
Bradford White released a statement saying it is disappointed that Local 1002 voted against ratification of the tentative agreement. The company described the proposal as offering meaningful wage increases and valuable benefits for employees and their families, and reaffirmed its commitment to being a leading employer in West Michigan. It emphasized a focus on a clear, timely path forward that balances workforce interests with the long‑term needs of the business, and pledged to continue serving customers with high‑quality water‑heating solutions.
The strike remains a pivotal labor dispute in the region, highlighting the challenges faced by both workers seeking fair compensation and a major employer striving to maintain stability and growth.
Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.
