Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
YOUNGSTOWN, OH — Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) wrote to Angela Strand, the newly appointed Executive Chairwoman of the Lordstown Motor Company (LMC), asking the company to develop and share a detailed plan for the company’s reform, and to work with area labor unions with historic expertise in automotive manufacturing.
Brown reiterated the desire for LMC to succeed and become a good employer and contributor to the Mahoning Valley, but said recent investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Department of Justice, are concerning. Brown asked LMC to do more to prove it will deliver on promises of job creation and manufacturing innovation.
“Your company arrived in the Mahoning Valley with the stated desire to turn this area into ‘Voltage Valley.’ Lordstown Motors owes the Valley the next-generation electric future it was promised,” said Brown. “To that end, I ask that you develop, and share with me, a detailed plan on how you intend to reform your corporate practices to provide greater transparency for workers, investors and the community by the end of the month.”
Brown also urged LMC to form a partnership with organized labor, pointing out that Ohio workers represented by the United Autoworkers have historic expertise in auto manufacturing. Such a relationship would allow the company to gain the trust of the community, lead to less employee turnover, and generate higher rates of productivity.
“I urge you to create a collaborative partnership with organized labor to produce the innovations in zero emission vehicles we all want to see while investing in your greatest asset: Ohio workers,” said Brown.
Full text of the letter can be found here.
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