One hundred and twenty-seven aircraft workers at a newly opened manufacturing facility in Charleston, S.C. cited working conditions and a voice on the job among their reasons for voting to join the IAM last weekend. The new plant, operated by Vought Co. opened in early 2006 and builds fuselage and tail sections for Boeing’s new Dreamliner airliner.
“I’m proud of the organizing team, who proved how critical the IAM Organizing Program is to success in our campaigns,” said Southern Territory Organizing Leader Bobby Sapp, who added that employment at the facility is expected to grow as production ramps up for the popular airplane.
In addition to the win at Vought in South Carolina, nineteen aircraft maintenance workers who work for L3 Communications/Vertex in Tomball, TX, voted for IAM representation. Additionally, a pair of Flight Simulator Technicians at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX, joined with fellow flight simulator technicians at Sheppard and across the country in choosing IAM representation. And finally, twelve health care workers at Med Trust in San Antonio, TX also voted in favor of IAM representation.
“Our organizers continue to find opportunities and victories in the South,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez. “The Vought victory is especially important, because of the potential for a much larger bargaining unit there and because U.S.-built aircraft should be union-made aircraft. I want to thank GLR Joe Greaser and the District Lodge 96 Organizing Committee. Congratulations and welcome to all our new members.”
