Allison Transmission employees could strike if contract negotiations fail

More than 1,000 Allison transmission employees are preparing to lose their paychecks.  The company and the union have until Wednesday, which is when the current contract expires. Some employees are expecting to go on strike.  If a strike happens, there will be far-reaching consequences. 

One of the businesses that could be affected is Charlie Brown's Diner.

"Oh my gosh, we get a lot of regulars, breakfast, lunch, dinner," said manager Sandie Jones.  "We know what they want, they just come in and say, 'the usual.'"

The diner opened in Speedway in 1983, literally across the street from the plant.  There is always a steady stream of Allison employees here at the diner.  They have their own specific spot, a booth reserved just for them.  As far as menus are concerned a lot of times they are not even needed.

"They help us out a bunch," said Jones.  "I would hate for anything to happen to that and we do not get their business."

The current contract between Allison Transmission and the UAW 933 expires at midnight Wednesday.  A total of 1,500 hourly employees on strike is a distinct possibility.  It is one that Jones does not want to see.

"It would break my heart," said Jones.  "They are great, if you are having a bad day no matter what, they will just give you a hard time and it is like, 'Oh, you want to play that game?'  We like that."

Butler Business Professor Bill Rieber said a strike could have a ripple effect on the entire community.

"Employees would have to cut back on their expenditures," said Rieber. "Then retailers and service providers would be adversely affected also."

Rieber said if the two sides can't hammer out a deal and there is a strike, he hopes it is a short one. Jones just wants to continue cooking for the diner's familiar faces.

"We would not get to see them as much," said Jones.  "We like them, they are great people.  Of course, we are greedy, we want the money too just the same as everyone else, but we have got to do what we have got to do in this day and age."

Members of Allison Transmission released the following statement Tuesday:

"The labor contract between Allison Transmission and the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 933 expires at midnight on November 14, 2012.  Both parties continue to work toward a new labor agreement."

We left a message for UAW 933 union president Allen Harris.  He did not call us back.