Approximately 1,350 workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 778 at Olin Winchester in Kansas City voted on April 3 to reject the company’s proposed contract and will begin a strike when their current agreement expires at midnight on April 4.
The decision comes as union members said the company’s offer did not meet their expectations regarding wages, mandatory overtime, and work-life balance. The outcome could impact production at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, where employees manufacture small arms ammunition for the U.S. military and its allies.
Scott Brown, IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative, said, “The bargaining committee did not recommend a yes-vote on the company’s offer and the membership showed the same sentiment. The company’s offer to these workers is just not good enough. We are not asking for anything unreasonable, as these workers have not seen wage increases reflective of the economy and have endured countless hours of overtime.”
IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli voiced support for those striking: “IAM Local 778 members at Olin-Winchester have the full support and solidarity of the IAM Midwest Territory. These workers are simply asking for what is fair for their hard work and dedication for many years. Our members are not going to settle for less than they deserve.” International President Brian Bryant added, “The decision to strike is always a courageous one, and the members of our union do not make that decision lightly. Union members who stand-up for better, raise the standard for all workers, and the IAM Union is fully behind our Local 778 members who will be walking the picket line for the contract they deserve.”
Picket lines are set to form outside Olin Winchester’s facility starting at midnight as union representatives prepare to provide further comment as developments occur.
The IAM represents about 600,000 active and retired members across North America in industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, railroads, transit, healthcare, automotive and more.
