KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 23, 2026 – The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is applauding U.S. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) and Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) for sending a strong letter to Olin Corp. leadership, urging management to return to good-faith negotiations with striking IAM Local 778 members at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant.
In the letter to Olin President and CEO Kenneth Lane, Cleaver and Bell emphasize that “collective bargaining is the policy of the United States” under the National Labor Relations Act and call for swift action to reach a fair agreement for the approximately 1,350 IAM-represented workers currently on strike.
“IAM Union welcomes this support from the esteemed Representatives Cleaver and Bell. We commend the representatives for standing up for working families, recognizing our members’ vital contributions and supporting collective bargaining,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “These highly skilled workers are the backbone of our nation’s defense supply chain, producing ammunition that supports U.S. service members and our allies around the world.”
The congressional letter highlights the importance of the Lake City facility to regional economic stability and national security, while underscoring significant strain on workers who have faced long hours and increased production demands in recent years.
“To ensure Olin’s ability to sustain production of high-quality ammunition to our armed services, the facility must be supported by a strong and stable workforce,” reads the letter. “That foundation begins with a fair labor agreement respectful of these workers’ value. As such, it is essential that Olin remains engaged in negotiations with IAM Local 778 in a good faith effort to negotiate a fair and reasonable collective bargaining agreement.”
The IAM Local 778 bargaining committee is scheduled to meet with the company again on Friday, April 24.
“We urge this company to make a serious proposal that will bring our members back to work so they can continue their important role supplying our military,” said Bryant.
IAM Local 778 members initiated their strike on April 4 after Olin management failed to propose an agreement that adequately addresses key concerns, including fair wages and relief from excessive overtime.
“Congressional support like this sends a clear message: Olin must return to the bargaining table and negotiate a contract that respects the value, skill, and dedication of these workers,” said Bryant. “A strong, stable workforce is essential not only for these families, but for the continued strength of our nation’s defense industrial base.”
The public has invested in the company as well. Since 2001, Olin Corp has received a total of over $53 million in state, and local subsidies. With that investment and LCAAP being a government-owned, contractor-operated facility, comes the expectation and responsibility to support workers fairly.
The IAM Union continues to call on Olin to engage in meaningful negotiations to reach a fair agreement that supports workers, their families and the surrounding community.
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.
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