Union, company discussing ways to save Iowa plant

The nearly 140 workers at a Clinton manufacturing plant could learn by the end of the week whether their jobs are safe.

By Source: The Associated Press, WorldNow April 12, 2011

The nearly 140 workers at a Clinton manufacturing plant could learn by the end of the week whether their jobs are safe.

The plastics workers union and Thomas and Betts Corp. are discussing ways to keep the plant open instead of moving its production of electrical outlet boxes to two Tennessee plants. The company is based in Memphis.

Thomas and Betts says demand for the outlet boxes has dropped, and the Tennessee plants are nearer its distribution center in northeastern Mississippi.

Were the Clinton plant to close, the terminations would take place over several weeks and be concluded by Aug. 1

Patricia Bergeron is vice president of investor and corporate relations for Thomas and Betts. She says the talks should conclude by week’s end.

Originally reported by The Associated Press.