Elected Officials, Global Citizens Urge Wendt Corporation to Resolve Workers' Rights Issues

BUFFALO, N.Y., Dec. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite an aggressive company funded anti-union campaign, Workers at Buffalo NY based auto shredding manufacturer, Wendt Corporation, voted overwhelmingly to form a union in June 2017. For a year and a half workers have been steadily negotiating for a union contract to address what they say are unsafe conditions, low pay, favoritism, and poor manufacturing quality practices. However, workers say forming a union did not bring an end to the company's intimidation tactics, which has even included a layoff of union supporters during contract negotiations.

"We just want dignity, respect, and fairness on the job. There is no excuse for the company to be dragging their feet to resolve simple issues," said Bill Hudson a long-time welder at Wendt, and union spokesman.

Over the summer local community organizations began to investigate the workers' claims and released three hard hitting reports. In "Risky Business" Western New York Committee on Occupational Safety Health (WYNCOSH) confirmed unsafe and potentially fatal conditions which remain largely unaddressed by the company.

Meanwhile, local clergy and academics of Western New York Workers Rights Board held hearings and released findings which chronicle the threats and intimidation workers have experienced. Many of these issues have subsequently being taken up by pending Federal labor charges.

The Workers Freedom Coalition also investigated poor quality manufacturing practices which workers hope to improve and issued their own findings which point to ongoing deficient quality standards which could seriously impact customers if not remedied.

In the wake of these reports, two local governments, The Cheektowaga Town Council and Erie County Legislature have gone on and recently passed formal public resolutions imploring Wendt Corporation to resolve these issues.

The Wendt corporation has global customers, and these local concerns have even reaching global audiences. Two weeks ago, the Workers Freedom Coalition delivered a petition with over 6,000 signatures from concerned citizens from 128 countries also urging the company find resolution. BWI, a global labor rights organization has recently taken up supporting the workers. 

"We're not sure exactly what It's going to take to have the Wendt Corporation resolve basic issues of safety, fairness, and quality but this holiday season we're certainly thankful for the support of local government and global citizens. We're hopeful for a new year we can finally have a resolution," Hudson said.

Contact: Garrett Stark
Ph: 615-545-5690

SOURCE Workers Freedom Coalition