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As Company Goes on Sales Block, 
Union Workers at EaglePicher Battery Plant 
in Joplin, Mo.,
Pledge to Fight On for Fair Union Contract

For Immediate Release                                      September 4, 2009 

Joplin, Mo. – Responding to news that EaglePicher Technologies, LLC, management has hired Lazard Middle Market, LLC, to market the company to prospective buyers, union workers at the battery plant are reminding all concerned of the unresolved labor dispute at the facility, and the union’s determination to fight for a fair agreement.

Industry publication “The Deal” reported on Aug. 31 that EaglePicher management has hired Lazard Middle Market to “explore strategic alternatives, including a sale for its EaglePicher Technologies LLC subsidiary.”

Hourly workers at the plant, represented by United Steelworkers (USW) Local 812 want prospective buyers to know they are currently fighting back against an “implemented offer” the company is attempting to force on employees that would eliminate virtually all seniority rights and drastically increase the costs for workers’ health insurance.  The company’s proposal would at least quadruple the cost of family health insurance in three years.

“EaglePicher’s demand for workers to pick up so much of the cost for health care insurance is particularly galling considering the high rates of sickness and accidents for workers in our industry,” said Teresa Buckmaster, president, USW Local 812. “Management is trying to force higher costs for health care on the workers as we’re facing increased costs for gas, utilities, groceries and all the rest. EaglePicher’s demands would reduce the living standards for the hourly worker at the same time management is making huge profits from the defense industry.”

Union workers vow to continue their campaign for a mutually-acceptable labor agreement at EaglePicher under current management or under any potential buyers.

EaglePicher Technologies makes lithium batteries and battery chargers used in the aerospace and defense industries.

Contact: Teresa Buckmaster, Pres., USW Local 812, 417-499-8220
              Howard Scott, USW, 412-562-2521

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