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Local union president reacts to Carrier-Trump deal

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The president of United Steelworkers Local 1999 told 24-Hour News 8 in a phone interview that his members are feeling all sorts of emotions after learning about the Carrier-Trump deal.

Chuck Jones heard about the reports hours ago and was still working to find out more details about this deal.

Jones said a staff representative talked with someone from Carrier. The company would not give them specific details, but said President-elect Donald Trump is coming to the plant on Thursday to make a formal announcement to workers.

Carrier tweeted saying the deal will keep close to 1,000 jobs at the Indianapolis plant. The manufacturing company announced plans earlier this year to move around 1,400 jobs to Mexico from Indianapolis.

Union leaders met with Carrier officials about three months ago, but the company stood by its decision. Jones said he’s optimistic not knowing the details.

“Well, I guess not knowing any of the particulars you know I’m optimistic something is being done not knowing anything or anything that’s going on I don’t want to speculate,” he said.

National media reports that Vice President-elect Mike Pence led the negotiations with Carrier. Trump spent time on his campaign talking about Carrier and how the company would not leave if he was president.