Manitowoc Co. says layoffs due to strike

MANITOWOC, Wis. (AP) — A strike at a lakeshore manufacturer is having a ripple effect.

More than 150 members of the boilermakers’ local at the Manitowoc Co. have received layoff notices. And, the company is blaming a strike by the machinists union.

The International Association of Machinists Local 516 members are on strike after rejecting the company’s latest contract offer. Union officials say members don’t like the proposal because new employees wouldn’t be required to join the union. Regional union leaders say the proposal is “nothing more than union busting.”

Local 443 boilermakers have learned Friday will be their last day at work for now. WLUK-TV says the notice given the boilermakers says the production scheduled has been impacted by the machinists’ strike.