On Friday, February 26, 2010, more than 420 IAM members employed at Lockheed Martin Space Systems voted to accept a new three-year contract. The members are from District 112, Local Lodge 2772 in King Bay, GA and District 160, Local Lodge 282 in Seattle, WA.
IAM Aerospace Coordinator John Crowdis led the negotiations, which included the following hilites:
- General wage increases in each year of the agreement, 3.0% on March 1, 2010, 3.0% in 2011, and 2.5% in 2012.
- Lump-Sum of $1500 to each member of the bargaining unit.
- Cost of Living supplements of $700 paid to each member, in each year of the agreement.
- Designated economic benefits of the contract will also be extended to IAM members working for Lockheed Martin Space Systems at their Sunnyvale, CA location.
- Inclusion of Machinists Custom Choices Worksite Benefits Program.
- Increased minimum and maximum rates to seven classifications at the King Bay location.
- Increased Military Training Leave from two weeks to three weeks.
- There were also several impovements in contract language, covering non-economic issues.
Gary Allen, Western Territory General Vice President for the IAM, said "This is a great win for members of the IAM, and for skilled workers across the country. Brother Crowdis showed that experienced negotiators, partnered with talented and dedicated workers, can improve their futures - even in these tough economic times. These sisters and brothers earned this contract by their performance on the job every day; and through their membership in the IAM, they are better able to care for their families. Congratulations to everyone involved, once again the IAM proved that we are the best in Labor".
