KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After weeks on the picket line, IAM Union Local 778 members have voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with Olin Corporation’s Winchester division, officially ending their strike that began on April 4.
The agreement was approved by the membership on Wednesday, May 6, marking a victory for the more than 1,300 skilled workers at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant who stood united in their fight for improved wages, better working conditions, and relief from excessive overtime.
IAM Local 778 members return to work starting on the day shift, Thursday, May 7, bringing the end to a strike that drew national attention and underscored the essential role these workers play in supporting U.S. military readiness.
“This ratified agreement met the needs of our membership and they are ready to get back to work under these new terms,” said IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Scott Brown. “Our members stood together for a contract that includes improvements to pay and relief to mandatory overtime scheduling.”
“Our members stood up for fairness,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “They maintained a strong presence on the picket lines, showed solidarity, and advocated for each other and for fair treatment from this Company.”
“I am proud of these members for their courage and sacrifice,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “The members of IAM Local 778 took the necessary action to make their workplace better and make each other’s lives better. ”
Details of the new contract include front-loaded wage increases over the course of the four-year agreement and some relief from forced overtime. Union leaders say the agreement represents meaningful progress and a foundation for continued improvements.
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