IAM International President Brian Bryant and Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli joined striking members of IAM Local 778 on April 16 for a roundtable discussion at the union hall in Kansas City, Missouri. The union is calling on Olin Winchester to return to negotiations and reach a contract agreement with about 1,350 workers who have been on strike since April 4.
The strike centers on demands for better wages, paid sick leave, relief from mandatory overtime, and improved working conditions. The workers are employed at Olin Winchester’s Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, which is the largest producer of small-arms ammunition for the U.S. armed forces.
“The full weight and resources of the IAM are deployed right here, right now, in Missouri,” said Bryant. “IAM Local 778 members did not walk off that job because they wanted to. They walked off because Olin Winchester gave them no choice, no fair wage, no paid sick leave, no relief from forced overtime, and no respect. As long as they are standing strong on that picket line, the IAM is standing with them.”
Cicinelli said that mandatory overtime has become routine for workers at the plant: “For the approximately 1,350 workers at this plant, mandatory overtime isn’t the exception; it’s a way of life.” He added that these employees make ammunition used by multiple branches of the military and NATO allies and deserve a contract reflecting their contribution.
During the roundtable event, striking members shared personal stories about how forced overtime and lack of paid sick leave have affected their families. Scott Brown from IAM Local 778 said: “It’s been a 24-hour picket line, and we have had a great response and support from the community.” He also noted there has been no offer yet worth taking back to union members.
Workers Vaughn Cochran and Travis Bradford described missing family events due to work requirements. Bradford said: “There is no sick leave. There is no flexibility… That is why we are on strike.” Cochran emphasized concerns over military readiness: “When Olin Winchester refuses to bargain fairly with its workers… it is putting this nation’s military readiness at risk.”
The union says it remains committed to reaching an agreement through negotiation.
