Billion-Dollar EV Battery Plant Project in Big Rapids Stalls Amid Lawsuit and Local Opposition

Big Rapids, MI — A major electric vehicle battery plant project in Green Charter Township is on hold as legal battles ensue over its future. Initiated by Gotion, a subsidiary of a China-based company, the $2 billion facility was expected to bring substantial economic growth to the rural Mecosta County, promising to create over 2,000 jobs. In August 2023, Gotion reached an agreement with local township officials to establish what was positioned as a significant boost to the regional economy. The venture, however, quickly became the center of a contentious dispute. A faction of local … Read more

$22 Million FLSA Verdict: Court Demands Fair Pay for All Employee Hours at Pennsylvania Battery Plant

Philadelphia, PA – In a landmark decision by the Third Circuit, a Pennsylvania battery manufacturer has been ordered to pay over $22 million in back wages to thousands of employees. This ruling affirms a jury verdict concerning the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and underscores the legal mandates governing compensable work hours. The case centered around East Penn Manufacturing Company, known for its production of lead acid batteries and associated components. An essential aspect of the employees’ roles involved donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard against lead exposure, a recognized hazard in … Read more

Cargill Announces Layoffs at Eddyville Plant Following Recent Strike and Legal Battle

EDDYVILLE, Iowa — The Eddyville Cargill plant has announced it will lay off 29 workers starting Feb. 5, following a tumultuous month of labor disputes that culminated in a strike by nearly 100 employees. The layoffs come after workers, represented by Teamsters Local 238, walked off the job on Oct. 1, protesting wage offers they claimed fell below industry standards and did not sufficiently account for inflation pressures. The strike, which lasted until October 31, ended after the agriculture giant threatened to terminate health insurance for those still picketing after the deadline. This threat prompted … Read more

Maryland Court Enforces Stricter Pollution Controls on Eastern Shore Poultry Plant Amid Environmental Concerns

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A Maryland court has mandated tighter pollution controls at an Eastern Shore poultry rendering facility following a judge’s ruling that sided with environmental groups. The Dorchester County Circuit Court concluded that the state’s previously issued discharge permit for Valley Proteins did not adequately protect local water bodies. This ruling requires the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to revise the permit to impose stricter regulations and ensure better water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The plant, which converts poultry byproduct into pet food, sits along the Transquaking River, a tributary of … Read more