DSM Copolymer seeks concessions

BATON ROUGE, La. (Jan. 23)—DSM Copolymer Inc. has asked its labor unions representing its 300 workers in Baton Rouge to consider wage cuts, layoffs and other cost-cutting measures as the emulsion SBR producer seeks ways to compensate for three straight years of losses. Low-cost imports, primarily from Asian sources, are the biggest reason for the company's problems, according to Vice President Didier Begat. Already 30 maintenance workers are on paid leave pending negotiations between management and labor on their future status. Begat declined to say how sales have been impacted of late but said the Baton Rouge plant is operating below its annual capacity of 150,000 metric tons. DSM's current three-year contract with labor unions at the factory expires in October, and this proposal will include discussions on concluding a new three-year pact now, Begat said.