Union approves contract at Ameripol Synpol

PORT NECHES, Texas (Nov. 20)—The operating union at Ameripol Synpol Corp. approved a contract with the firm Nov. 15, but the company still is discussing whether it will accept the package the union voted on, a company spokesman said. The union approved an offer the firm made Oct. 10 that would freeze contributions to pensions. While there was no pay raise involved in the offer, Ameripol Synpol said it would increase its contribution to the 401(k) program by 2 percent. The company has dealt with economic hardship since late 2000 when it laid off 200 workers and cut production because of a pessimistic chemical market.