Columbia Plant Has An Unpleasant Christmas Gift

Just before Christmas, Mersen has furloughed 80% of its workforce at the Columbia, Tennessee plant and permanently laid-off 25% as of December 15th, leaving families without paychecks or healthcare during the holidays.

The announcement comes in stark contrast to the company’s recent celebration of a $70 million expansion at the facility, an expansion that was funded in part by Tennessee taxpayers and touted by state and local officials as a win for workers.

In response, IUE-CWA has filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board alleging Mersen violated federal labor law by refusing to bargain over the decisions and effects of furloughs and layoffs. The cuts follow a successful unionization vote by Columbia workers seeking fair pay, safer conditions, and job security for temporary workers.

Workers and union leaders have also issued an urgent public letter to key Tennessee officials. The letter calls for an immediate suspension of the furloughs and layoffs, the preservation of worker healthcare, and the clawback of more than $500,000 in public subsidies if Mersen refuses to negotiate in good faith.

The stakes are high not only for the devastated workers facing job loss but also for the entire Columbia community. The workers argue that public investment must come with public accountability.

Workers, union leaders, and community members are calling on Tennessee’s elected officials to intervene, protect Tennessee jobs, and stand by the promises made to workers and taxpayers alike.