Pros
Was a nice place to work in Duryea PA. but the Union workers are like all unions; they worship at the altar of seniority. They remind me of the people in "The Mummy" but instead of chanting "Imotep" they chant "Seniority". Closing down of glass melting means that hourly work will fade away mostly. If you're an engineer or scientist the R&D area there is top notch. They pay well but not top of the line for all companies. For straight science people great job security. They had a really good 401K there but older Union people had an old defined benefit plan on top of the 401K. New workers get 401 only. Union wages are good for the area but future contracts can end up like the past; new workers make less per hour than older ones though that was phased out it may come back. Since this part of Schott is the Foundation (Some new division are incorporated in the EU with an public stock offering and stockholders) there isn't the heavy drive to save $.004 per unit and ship it to Asia.
Cons
If you're in a job that's "company" Mainz Germany can call up at any time and order a "restructuring" and you're handed a box and out the door you go. Doesn't matter what Duryea planned, Mainz controls all. If you're hourly as I said seniority is all but no one leaves except to retire or die it seems. As it seems less and less regular working jobs will be created seniority will be used to force out anyone new so older workers will keep their jobs. Also some people stay into their 70's so someone hitting 65 means nothing. The had a fire in March 2015 and what will happen going forward is also up in the air for all non-R&D employees till final plans are made. Of course Mainz may then CHANGE those plans at any time.
