Nearly one hundred members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union, along with community leaders and elected officials, gathered on March 9 to call for accountability from Whirlpool Corporation as the company prepares to lay off about 341 workers at its Amana, Iowa facility.
The event was organized by IAM Union District 6 and the Hawkeye Area Labor Council. Supporters from across Iowa attended to show solidarity with IAM Local 1526 members who are affected by the layoffs. The gathering comes as concerns grow over job losses and the use of public funds by large corporations.
Terry Kimmell, IAM Midwest Territory Chief of Staff, said, “We will stand with the Whirlpool workers until they get what they deserve. The layoffs are a failure to hold corporations accountable and a signal that Iowa must strengthen worker protections in economic development agreements. Our union will continue to fight for the 341 men and women who have given years of their lives to make this company successful.”
According to IAM Union research, Whirlpool has invested more than $1 billion in Mexico over two decades, tripling its workforce there while reducing jobs at the Amana plant. The facility once employed more than 3,000 people but could be left with only 500 to 600 workers after these layoffs and further cuts expected later this year.
Rick Moyle, President of the Iowa IAM State Council and Executive Director of the Hawkeye Area Labor Council, said, “These workers built Whirlpool’s reputation for quality American manufacturing. Whirlpool took $21.5 million in Iowa taxpayer money with no requirement to protect a single job, and now they’re shipping that work to Mexico. Iowa workers and Iowa taxpayers deserve better.”
Other speakers at the rally urged Whirlpool to reconsider its decision and called on elected officials to ensure companies receiving public funds are held responsible for protecting jobs. Several political figures attended or responded in support of affected workers. IAM International President Brian Bryant sent letters regarding the situation to every member of Iowa’s Congressional delegation as well as President Trump.
Responses have come from various state leaders including Governor Kim Reynolds; congressional candidate Christina Bohannan; Democratic legislators; and Republican U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Ashley Hinson.
The broader implications include ongoing debates about corporate responsibility when public tax dollars are involved and concerns about outsourcing jobs overseas. Community members say they will continue advocating for stronger worker protections moving forward.
