Machinists Union begins vote on new Textron offer

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Machinist Union began voting Saturday on the amended contract offered by Textron Aviation. Union members remain dissatisfied with the changes, saying they don’t address their main reasons for striking in the first place.

October 19th marks one month of striking for IAM Union members. Depending on how the vote on Textron’s latest offer goes, it could end up lasting even longer. Textron called the contract that kicked off the strikes their “best and final offer,” and are now referring to this offer as that too.

Stephanie Harder, vice president of communications for Textron, said in a press conference Friday that they remain dedicated to negotiating in good faith. She says that the current offer is their best path for workers and the company.

“[Negotiations] ultimately resulted in a contract offer we believe is fair in recognizing our employees’ contributions and setting us all up for long-term success,” Harder said.

Many employees say their main concerns are still not being met. Adding that this updated contract isn’t meaningfully different from the first.

“A larger general wage increase to make it meet with COLA (cost of living adjustments),” Robert Clayton, operator for Textron said after voting Saturday. “Another thing we want is better healthcare and basically all our new hires are wanting ETO and better vacation … Those are, like the three major key points and Textron hasn’t really delivered on any of those things.”

They say that as opposed to the previous four-year plan, this new five-year offer isn’t enough to contend with inflation. But, after a month of striking, many have been feeling the strain of not working.

“I just hope that we can get a contract that we can all appreciate and deserve. That works for both us and the company and that we can move forward,” Troy Greene, union steward at Lodge 774, said.

Union president Lisa Whitley assures strikers that their well-being remains a top priority for union leadership.

“My biggest concern right now is just the membership. Making sure they have what they need, they’re getting the food supplies they need met, getting their kids’ needs met and getting them a contract that they can live with for the next 4 to 5 years,” Whitley said.

Union Steward Tory Greene adding that, despite feeling the additional stress of the strike, sticking together is the best option for a mutually beneficial outcome.

“My message to my union members is ‘let’s stay together. Solidarity is the foundation of a union. So the stronger we are together, the better we are all around,” he said.

Between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. Sunday is for any members who missed their opportunity to cast their vote Saturday. It will take place at the IAM Local Lodge 774 off of I-235 and Meridian.

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