Operations at the DURA Automotive facility in Mancelona will cease by the end of 2008, despite union workers opportunity to re-vote on the contract Monday. Photo by Chris Tredway

But though many more approved the contract this time around, it wasn't enough and the union workers rejected the agreement 127-77, voting by private ballot.

"I can't believe it," one employee said to co-workers after he learned the results of the re-vote.

Last Monday, March 31, DURA announced it was closing its operations in Mancelona, leaving more than 300 people out of work by the end of 2008.

The news is hard to swallow for many as the plant is and has been one of Mancelona's largest employers for decades.

No exact timetable has been given for the closure, but DURA officials say it will be "phased" and all workers will receive 60 days notice.

Last week, after DURA notified the union workers the latch and hinge operation would be closing, some union people started circulating a petition to open the contract back up for a re-vote.

According to employees, the petition had signatures from a majority of the people, so yesterday's "no" vote was a surprise.

"This shocked everybody. It blew everybody's mind. Everybody thought for sure it was going to pass," one DURA employee, wishing to stay anonymous, said.

The union members re-voted between 1 and 3 p.m. Monday. By 3:45 the results of the re-vote were posted inside the facility.

DURA recommended closing the facility in late February, but was in contract discussions with the United Auto Workers Local Chapter 1511 before making any final decision.

In the statement released from DURA March 31, Theresa Skotak, vice president and chief administrative officer said DURA was "regretfully" ceasing all operations.

Ê"While several factors were considered, a critical part of the decision was the inability for the company and the union to reach an agreement that would result in an economically-viable business capable of remaining competitive in an extremely aggressive global supplier landscape," Skotak said in the statement.

The negotiated contract had changes in insurance plans, retirement benefits and overtime.

Though many are concerned that this closure will drive people out of town, hurting Mancelona's schools and businesses, some are hopeful that not all is lost.

"You keep going, you know? Things always work out," said Joan Shanahan, whose husband works at DURA. "I am worried about the outcome. But if you don't work across the street from where you live, you work 35 miles away. Life goes on."

When asked how she viewed the employee action today, Shanahan said, "Kind of like the employees' last stand. They (Dura) just doesn't have the money."

Chris Tredway contributed to this report. Hadley Robinson can be reached at hrobinson@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-533-8523.