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, urging Olin Winchester to return to contract negotiations. The strike by about 1,350 workers at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant began after their contract expired at midnight on April 4.
The ongoing labor dispute centers on issues such as wages, mandatory overtime, lack of paid sick leave, and working conditions. Union leaders say these concerns affect not only the workers but also public accountability due to significant state and local subsidies received by Olin Winchester since 2001.
Bryant said, “The full weight and resources of the IAM are deployed right here, right now, in Missouri. 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 highlighted that mandatory overtime has become routine for workers who manufacture ammunition used by U.S. military branches and NATO allies. “These workers manufacture the rounds used by the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps… They deserve a contract that reflects the value and sacrifice of that work,” he said.
Striking employees shared personal stories about how current policies have affected their families. Scott Brown said community support has been strong during round-the-clock picketing but noted there has been “no offer to take back” for consideration. Travis Bradford described missing family events due to required overtime: “There is no sick leave… We make the ammunition that protects this country.” Vaughn Cochran added concerns about military readiness: “When Olin Winchester refuses to bargain fairly with its workers… it is putting this nation’s military readiness at risk.”
IAM Local 778 states it remains committed to reaching an agreement providing fair wages and improved conditions while calling on Olin Winchester to resume good-faith bargaining.
