Maremont striker hit by security vehicle

http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/business/article/0,1406,KNS_376_5353940,00.html

Maremont striker hit by security vehicle

By MICHAEL SILENCE, silence@knews.com
February 15, 2007

A striking Maremont Exhaust Products worker was hit late Wednesday by a vehicle driven by a security officer near the Maremont facility, according to Loudon County authorities.

A Loudon Police Department report said the vehicle driven by John Diggs struck William E. Nix around 6 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Roberson Springs Road and Maremont Parkway.

Nix was treated and released at an area hospital and Diggs was arrested and charged with driving on a revoked license, the report stated, adding that Diggs was employed by a private security firm.

Earlier this month, workers at the Maremont plant went on strike after their labor contract expired to protest an increase in health insurance premiums.

The striking workers are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local 2545.

The union represents 227 of 400 Maremont employees. Maremont produces automotive exhaust components, including heavy-duty mufflers and catalytic converters.

More details as they develop online and in Friday’s News Sentinel.

Business writer Michael Silence may be reached at 865-342-6310.

Copyright 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.