Workers at a plant in Pennsylvania who recycle nickel-cadmium batteries have voted by a nearly 2-1 margin to join Local 261.

On April 1, the 68 workers at INMETCO voted to join New Castle, Pennsylvania-based Local 261.

“The current owner, Horsehead Holding Corporation, bought the plant and made significant changes to the workers’ health and welfare benefits which resulted in higher costs for the workers,” said Doug Robbins, Local 261 President. “The company also eliminated the pension plan. After these significant cuts, the workers were afraid of additional cuts. They came to us seeking strong union representation.”

The plant in Ellwood City is the only one of its kind in North America that recycles nickel-cadmium batteries. The batteries are used in cell phones.

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