IAM International President Brian Bryant and Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli joined striking members of IAM Local 778 for a roundtable discussion at the union hall in Kansas City, Mo., according to an April 16 statement. The union leaders called on Olin Winchester to return to contract negotiations with about 1,350 workers who have been on strike since April 4.
The ongoing strike at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant highlights concerns over wages, mandatory overtime, lack of paid sick leave, and working conditions. Union representatives say these issues affect not only workers’ families but also the supply of small-arms ammunition for the U.S. military.
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 added that mandatory overtime is common at the plant: “For the approximately 1,350 workers at this plant, mandatory overtime isn’t the exception; it’s a way of life. These workers manufacture the rounds used by the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps and critical ammunition for NATO allies. They deserve a contract that reflects the value and sacrifice of that work.”
Striking members described how forced overtime policies have affected their personal lives. Travis Bradford said he has missed family events due to inflexible scheduling: “There is no sick leave. There is no flexibility… That is why we are on strike.” Vaughn Cochran stated: “When Olin Winchester refuses to bargain fairly with its workers… it is putting this nation’s military readiness at risk.”
IAM Local 778 says it remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement and urges Olin Winchester to resume good-faith bargaining.
