ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, January 31, 1997 TAG: 9701310051
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: RADFORD
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
Alliant Techsystems Inc. has called back or hired about 75 people to work the chemical and propellant production lines at Radford Army Ammunition Plant.
The wave of hiring in recent months at one of the New River Valley's largest employers is nearly complete.
Plant manager Ken Dolph said that the call-back list has been expanded, with a short-term increase in production levels.
"I don't know for sure how long it'll last or anything," said Luther Woolwine, president of Local 3-495 of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers union. "But it is something that we're proud of, to get some people back over there."
The extra people on the job also are expected to help with overtime needs that have increased recently.
Plant officials met with union workers to find ways of handling the overtime hours in accordance with the corporation's agreements with the union and while ensuring safe working conditions.
A solution that starts today is to allow qualified workers from other plant locations to volunteer for overtime in the areas affected. The need for extra hours will end early next week.
The arsenal has cut its work force over a period of time, but is still a significant employer in the New River Valley. Its employee levels dropped from a high of 3,500 in 1991 to about 1,100 last year.
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines KEYWORDS: JOBCHEKby CNB