Local 2061 Members Stand Strong in Florida

August 8, 2007 - Nearly 500 members of Local Lodge 2061 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida have been on strike for 55 days and are holding strong in the hot Florida sun against the United Space Alliance (USA). The USA is a joint venture formed by Lockheed Martin and the Boeing Company to provide launch services to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Southern Territory General Vice President Bob Martinez spoke at a rally Sunday as the strikers redoubled their resolve. “It is clear that NASA intentionally undermined the negotiations process between USA and the IAM by committing misconduct and violating the Service Contract Act by injecting themselves into the negotiating process and dictating terms of the economic package,” said Martinez.

“The IAM’s proposals have been reasonable and in line with other related contracts and work. We have asked members of Congress who fund these programs, ‘Who are you going to stand with?’ The people who do the work or the management at NASA that expresses disdain for the law through their actions,” asked Martinez.

“We have a message for United Space Alliance,” declared Martinez. “Our membership stands strong – 91% strong for the same reasons we went out – a fair and equitable contract – and we will stay strong.”

“Our members are committed to resolve this strike in both a reasonable and equitable manner that will place our members and USA on the path to success in the future,” said District 166 Directing Business Representative Johnny Walker. Walker has been asked to appear before the House Science and Technology Committee to testify about issues concerning the workplace at the NASA facility at the Kennedy Space Center.