Walkout Ends In Time For Labor Day Weekend

Nearly 5,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in Wichita and Salina, KS have reason to celebrate this Labor Day weekend. They'll soon return to work at Hawker Beechcraft, after winning a new contract that increases pay by four percent each year, while preserving health care benefits and the rights of new hires.

Members of Local 733 and 2328 voted Thursday by a wide margin to ratify the new agreement, reached on August 26.

"This contract was hammered out by negotiators and mediators, but it belongs fully to the members who demanded an agreement that would take them forward, not backward," said Aerospace Coordinator Ron Eldridge. "Hawker Beechcraft is a successful company with a bright future. These workers plainly want to be a part of that future."

As ANN reported, machinists struck Hawker Beechcraft on August 4, the first work stoppage at the plane maker since 1984. Ninety percent of the union's membership voted to reject the company’s initial three-year offer, and 89 percent authorized the strike.

"The solidarity of this unit was remarkable," said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez, who joined members on the picket lines in Wichita. "They knew exactly why they were out there; for themselves, their families and their co-workers, but also for the next generation of workers. Their example will inspire IAM members across North America for many years to come."

The membership at Hawker Beechcraft was kept informed throughout the strike by a combination of website updates, worker blogs, issue flyers and a coordinated outreach to local and national media.

"The IAM negotiating committee at Hawker Beechcraft had the benefit of significant experience and resources from every level of this union," said IP Tom Buffenbarger, who also joined picketers during the 29-day strike. "But it was the workers themselves in Wichita and Salina who stuck together and ensured a successful conclusion."

FMI: www.goiam.org, www.hawkerbeechcraft.com