PALMYRA, N.Y., Feb. 19, 2026 — IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Local 588 (District 65) members have been on strike at Garlock Sealing Technologies in Palmyra, N.Y., since Monday, Feb. 16, after contract negotiations failed to produce an agreement that meets workers’ demands for fair wages, stronger retirement security, improved workplace safety protocols and relief from rising healthcare costs.
Nearly 250 members voted to reject the company’s latest contract offer and go on strike.
“The men and women of IAM Local 588 have given their time, their skills, and their dedication to Garlock for years, and they deserve a contract that reflects that,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Our members deserve fair pay, a secure retirement, safe working conditions, and affordable health care. The entire IAM family stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters on the picket line, and we will use every resource at our disposal to help them win the contract they have earned.”
“Our members at Garlock have produced at a high rate over the years,” said IAM Union Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “The Eastern Territory stands firmly behind Local 588. Our members are not asking for anything that isn’t fair, and we will remain on the picket lines until we have a contract that gives respect and dignity.”
“Our members go to work every day in an environment where safety should be the top priority,” said IAM District 65 Assistant Directing Business Representative Mark Pankewytch. “The company must do more to help members keep up with the cost of living. Healthcare costs continue to climb, and retirement security is being eroded. IAM Local 588 members are on that picket line because they deserve better, and they are going to fight for it.”
IAM Local 588 members are currently in discussions with Garlock Sealing Technologies and hope to reach a contract agreement that addresses the membership’s concerns.
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.
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