COVINGTON, Va. (New release) -- AWPPW Local 675 and WestRock will be returning to the bargaining table November 6 and 7 to resume negotiations after union members rejected the Company's initial offer for a new Labor Agreement by 94%.

Major items cited by the Union as causes for the overwhelming rejection by the membership include proposed seniority changes, increased medical cost, elimination of premium pay provisions and maintenance redesign.

AWPPW Local President Bob Booth says "While the WestRock Covington mill consistently produces huge profits every year, WestRock refuses to treat the workforce fairly. No matter how dedicated and hardworking we all are and no matter how much money we make for WestRock the company wants concessions."

The Union and Company have been engaged in negotiations for the last 24 months and extended the existing agreement for one year in December 2015.

The Covington mill produces bleached packaging papers for the tobacco and food industries.

The AWPPW is affiliated with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters union.

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