Striking Bradford White workers vote this weekend on a 'final offer' at the water heater maker's main plant

Members have turned down three tentative agreements, the latest by about 62%, Homepros reported. Local 1002 bargaining chair Randy Tobias told the trade site the new offer is nearly the same as the last one except for the larger bonus. It keeps a raise of nearly $2 an hour for most employees and $6 for skilled trades, more paid time off, and coverage for spouses on the company health plan.

The World Socialist Web Site, which is urging members to vote no, reported that the first-year raises would be funded by cutting the employer 401(k) match from 4.5% to 3%, with top production pay reaching $25.25 in year five while new hires could start at $18.25. It said strikers get $550 a week in strike pay and that the company has used managers, supervisors and part-time staff to cross the picket line. A rank-and-file committee writing on the site said the company has brought in strikebreakers from out of state.

After last week's vote, Bradford White said it was disappointed and that a long stretch of uncertainty hurts both its workforce and its customers. It said it was weighing next steps and would keep serving customers. The company declined further comment to Homepros.

Middleville is Bradford White's primary plant, and the company's website says its water heaters are sold only through plumbing professionals and wholesale distribution. Contractors buy them from supply houses, not retail stores.