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INDEPENDENCE, Mo., April 9, 2026 – Approximately 1,350 striking workers represented by IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Local 778 are escalating pressure on Olin Winchester to reach a fair agreement and restore full operations at the Independence, Mo., Lake City Army Ammunition Plant—one of the most critical facilities in the U.S. defense industrial base.
The IAM Local 778 negotiating committee met with company representatives earlier this week and raised key concerns from the membership, including the need for pay that keeps up with persistent inflation, high turnover, and excessive mandatory overtime. The company indicated it would provide future dates to continue discussions.
Workers at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant are highly skilled professionals who manufacture small arms ammunition critical to the U.S. military. The facility is the backbone of America’s small-caliber ammunition supply and the only site capable of rapidly scaling production to meet national defense demands. The Independence facility manufactures 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm and .50-caliber rifle ammunition for the U.S. military.
IAM Local 778 members have been on strike since Saturday, April 4 after overwhelmingly rejecting a substandard contract offer from company management.
IAM Union sources indicate that very little production is currently taking place at the facility due to the absence of this highly trained IAM Union workforce. As global conflicts escalate, the ongoing disruption has the potential to impact the timely production of critical ammunition relied upon by U.S. forces and allied partners.
IAM Local 778 will host a solidarity rally on Saturday, April 11.
Despite receiving more than $53 million in state and local subsidies since 2001—and an additional $81 million in loans, guarantees and other public support—Olin Corp. has yet to present a contract that reflects the skill, dedication and essential role these workers play in national security and the regional economy. Olin Corp. has received over $1.2 million from the state of Missouri in the form of tax credits and subsidies.
“The company needs to recognize the highly skilled work being done at this facility and deliver a contract that keeps up with inflation, reduces excessive mandatory overtime and addresses the high turnover that is hurting this operation,” said IAM Union Local 778 Directing Business Representative Scott Brown. “Our members are ready to get back to work, but it takes a fair agreement that reflects their value and the critical role they play.”
“This facility plays a vital role in our nation’s defense, and it takes a highly trained, dedicated workforce to keep it running at full capacity,” said IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Olin Winchester needs to come to the table with a serious proposal that respects these workers and ensures the long-term stability of this operation.”
“As global conflicts continue to escalate, the importance of this work cannot be overstated,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Our members are standing up for a fair contract that reflects their skill, their sacrifice and the essential role they play in supporting our nation and its allies.”
The IAM Union has consistently advocated for congressional funding that supports military ammunition production—benefitting Olin Winchester, IAM Union members, national security and the Independence community. In 2022, the IAM Union beat back proposed federal funding cuts that would have devastated the Olin Winchester plant and workforce.
IAM Local 778 members at Olin Winchester generate significant economic impact in the Kansas City region, supporting nearly 50 local businesses and contributing more than $108 million annually in economic output.
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across North America in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive and other industries.
