Workers at Ampacet Corp.'s materials plant in Dudelange, Luxembourg, went on strike on Nov. 27.
In a statement to Plastics News, officials with Ampacet in Tarrytown, N.Y., said that the firm began negotiations with the site's union in March to establish "a fair and sustainable agreement for both employees and the company."
But despite those negotiations — assisted by a local facilitator — an agreement was not reached, leading to the strike.
Officials declined to discuss details of the negotiation but they said that contrary to local media reports, Ampacet has offered a number of increases based on several performance criteria.
"We are disheartened by the strike but will continue to work with the union and facilitators to reach an agreement," officials added.
They also said while the outlook for economic growth in Europe for 2024 is not as favorable as prior years, Ampacet "is continuing with our plans to add more color production capabilities at the Dudelange site that will create more jobs and services, which shows Ampacet's commitment to our Dudelange plant, our workers and Luxembourg."
According to a local media report, the OGBL labor union represents 75 workers at the site. The report added the union has requested a 2.5 percent increase in salaries and an additional three days of annual leave.
In late 2021, Ampacet doubled production capacity for masterbatch color concentrates at the Dudelange plant. The firm also invested about $45 million in a new facility in Dudelange for the firm's European headquarters, its Color Center of Excellence and a state-of-the-art research and development lab.
Ampacet is one of North America's 30 largest compounders and concentrate makers. The firm operates 25 manufacturing sites worldwide and has annual sales of more than $1 billion.