One hundred and thirty workers who perform site maintenance and repair work for Computer Science Corporation at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS, have voted overwhelmingly for IAM representation. The workers recently saw their jobs transitioned from Civil Service to Service Contract, and many experienced a 15 percent to 25 percent pay cut as a result.
"The only way for the workers to increase their pay now is to have a collective bargaining agreement," said Southern Territory Organizer Tommy Mayfield. "Everyone understood that."
The workers were spread across the base, and a strong in-plant organizing team did the hard work of contacting everyone and keeping everyone informed. "I want to thank our In Plant Team Members Troy Rogers, Sal Blood, Bob Faulkner, Tyrone Mount, John Akins, John Sterritt and Jonathan Clifford,” said Mayfield who also praised the work of District 73 DBR Joe Harrington, BR Benji Sullivan, Local 2249 President Brian Burleson and VP Mickey Carr. “They all did a great job,” said Mayfield.
The group will now join District 73 in Biloxi. “Congratulations to the entire organizing team for all their hard work," said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez. "They'll now work toward a strong IAM contract that will work to restore much of what they lost in the transition. More than ever, workers in the Service Contract industry need the IAM in order to ensure fair and equitable pay, benefits and working conditions."
