Rick Snyder works for Constellium. And he said he rests easy tonight. He even took a trip to the shopping plaza in Ravenswood to rent a movie. That's because he said recent news brings him great comfort.
"Them being able to get what they deserve and getting everything after working so hard is incredible," Snyder said. "It's a big part of this community."
A three-member state Labor Dispute Tribunal ruled Monday that the workers at the Constellium aluminum rolling mill in Ravenswood who went on strike last summer can now collect unemployment compensation benefits.
Employees went on strike August 5; the labor dispute lasted nearly seven weeks.
"This is my livelihood," Snyder said. "I'm glad that we've still got five years on the contract and everyone's working, and the community's going to be able to thrive."
Snyder didn't picket during the seven-week strike this summer because he was on medical leave. But he, like so many others in Ravenswood, said he thinks the benefits spell justice.
"I think this is a lifesaver to them," said Erin Carte, a life-long Ravenswood resident. "It's probably like hitting the lottery. And their families can have something to look forward to.'
Especially with the holidays right around the corner.
"I think it's good this time of the year they're going to be getting their benefits," said Dwight James, also a Ravenswood resident. "Couldn't have come at a better time."
A spokesperson for the state explained the workers are eligible for unemployment benefits, even though they went on strike.
"The labor dispute tribunal found the claimants not disqualified from receiving unemployment compensation benefits... because there was not a work stoppage at the employer plant facility as a result of the labor dispute. Basically they are eligible and will receive benefits," said Courtney Sisk, a state public information officer, in a statement to 13NEWS.
She added that an individual's weekly benefit amount is based on earnings in his base period. The maximum weekly benefit amount is $424.00.
Constellium has eight days to appeal the decision, which could be sent to Kanawha County Circuit Court.
But others said while they support the logic behind the panel's decision, the reason behind the initial strike seems selfish.
"Everyone has a right to strike," said Kyle McQuillian, of Ravenswood. "They only striked because they weren't getting the health care they wanted. But it was pretty impressive."
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