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. The event came as approximately 1,350 workers at Olin Winchester’s Lake City Army Ammunition Plant continued their strike that began on April 4 over issues including wages, mandatory overtime, lack of paid sick leave, and working conditions.
The strike is significant because the Lake City facility is the largest producer of small-arms ammunition for the U.S. armed forces. Union leaders said public investment in Olin Winchester makes a quick resolution important not only for workers but also for taxpayers and military readiness.
“The full weight and resources of the IAM are deployed right here, right now, in Missouri,” said Bryant. “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 said mandatory overtime has become routine at the plant: “For the approximately 1,350 workers at this plant, mandatory overtime isn’t the exception, it’s a way of life.” He added: “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 employees described missing family events due to forced overtime and being unable to take sick days.
Scott Brown from IAM Local 778 said there has been strong community support but noted: “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 and critical role they play.” Vaughn Cochran emphasized concerns about military readiness if bargaining does not resume: “When Olin Winchester refuses to bargain fairly with its workers… it is putting this nation’s military readiness at risk. Come to the table. Bargain in good faith.”
The union says it remains committed to reaching an agreement with Olin Winchester through good-faith negotiations.
