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WEST PLAINS, Mo., May 23, 2026 — Members of IAM Local 2782 at Leonardo DRS have voted today to reject the company’s latest contract offer, reaffirming their dedication to win a fair agreement that reflects the critical nature of the work they perform every day for the U.S. military.
The nearly 300 IAM members locked out at the West Plains facility manufacture some of the most essential defense systems in the American arsenal, including the M-SHORAD counter-drone and air defense system, battlefield surveillance technology, heavy assault bridging equipment, and fuel and water distribution systems that support U.S. combat forces in the field.
“Our members at Leonardo DRS have dedicated their careers to ensuring the men and women of our armed forces have what they need to complete their mission and come home safe,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Leonardo DRS is profiting from record defense demand while locking out the very workers who make that possible. That is unacceptable, and we will stand with Local 2782 until this company comes back to the table and negotiates a fair contract.”
“Our members didn’t come to this decision lightly,” said IAM District 9 Business Representative BJ Wear. “Our members have given years to this company and to the service members who depend on what we build. Leonardo DRS is benefiting from surging demand and a nearly $1.5 trillion defense budget that specifically prioritizes the exact systems our members produce. There is no excuse for the company to offer a compensation package that doesn’t reflect that reality.”
Leonardo DRS, which partners with L3Harris, Moog, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics on integrated defense systems, including the Stryker-based M-SHORAD platform, has seen backlog and revenue grow rapidly, particularly in the Middle East region.
“The members of Local 2782 are skilled, dedicated workers who manufacture systems that protect American lives on the battlefield,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Leonardo DRS has every resource it needs to put a deal on the table that our members will support. The Midwest Territory stands fully behind these members, and we expect this company to make a stronger offer.”
IAM International President Bryant sent letters to Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe and U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, urging both officials to stand with members of IAM Local 2782 at Leonardo DRS
Read the letter to Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe
Read the letter to U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley
IAM Local 2782 calls on Leonardo DRS to end the lockout, return to negotiations, and reach a fair contract now.
IAM Local 2782 members at Leonardo DRS’s West Plains facility manufacture a portfolio of critical U.S. Army systems, including fire support systems the Army has relied on since 1982; battlefield reconnaissance and surveillance platforms; heavy transport and mobility systems; fuel and water distribution equipment; and force protection technologies for armored vehicles.
