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 IAM Local 778 Union Hall in Kansas City, Missouri. The union is calling for Olin Winchester to return to negotiations and reach a fair contract with approximately 1,350 workers who have been on strike since April 4.
The ongoing strike highlights concerns about wages, mandatory overtime, lack of paid sick leave, and working conditions at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri. This facility is the largest producer of small-arms ammunition for the U.S. armed forces.
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 has become routine for these workers: “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… They deserve a contract that reflects the value and sacrifice of that work.”
Striking members shared personal stories during the roundtable about how company policies have affected their families and health. Scott Brown said: “It’s been a 24-hour picket line… There has been no offer to take back to our group. Our members are ready to get back to work but it takes a fair agreement that reflects their value…” Vaughn Cochran spoke about his commitment as both an employee and parent: “My son is a Marine… When Olin Winchester refuses to bargain fairly with its workers… it is putting this nation’s military readiness at risk.” Travis Bradford described missing family events due to lack of flexibility: “There is no sick leave… That is why we are on strike.”
IAM Local 778 continues to call for good-faith bargaining so employees can return under improved terms.
