Hundreds on strike at central Missouri manufacturing plant

CENTRALIA — More than 500 employees of a plant that makes plastics and construction materials are on strike.

Members of the International Union of Electrical Workers at Hubbell Inc.'s Centralia plant are striking over a contract they say eliminates or restructures certain retirement, health and medical benefits.

The proposed three-year contract eliminates retiree benefits, including company-paid $10,000 life insurance policies and a 50 percent medical premium payment.

Officials with the Connecticut-based company did not immediately reply to a request for comment Tuesday.

The plant is Centralia's largest employer. It makes plastics, construction materials and tools for electric power lines.