Approximately 1,350 workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 778 at Olin Winchester in Kansas City, Missouri, voted on April 3 to reject a proposed contract and begin a strike at 12:01 a.m. Central Time on Saturday, April 4, when their current agreement expires.
The decision to strike follows concerns among union members about wages, mandatory overtime, and work-life balance. The employees manufacture small arms ammunition for the U.S. military and its allies at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant.
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.”
The IAM Union has previously advocated for congressional funding that supports U.S. Army ammunition production benefiting both Olin Winchester employees and national security interests.
Sam Cicinelli, IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President said: “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.”
IAM Union 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 will be set up outside Olin Winchester starting at midnight as negotiations continue.
