Machinists Union Leaders Join Triumph Strike Line
May 19, 2016
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| IAM International President Bob Martinez, right, speaks with IAM Local 86 members locked out at Triumph Composite Systems in Spokane, WA. Martinez was joined on the strike line by Western Territory General Vice President Gary Allen and District 751 President Jon Holden. (Photo: Steve Warren/IAM District 751) |
IAM national leaders today marched in solidarity with IAM Local 86 members in Spokane, WA, who are in the second week of a lockout at Triumph Composites Systems.
IAM International President Bob Martinez and Western Territory General Vice President Gary Allen also met with local union representatives to assure them they will have the support and resources they need to prevail.
“The lockout at Triumph matters to workers across the U.S.,” said Martinez. “Any time a profitable company outsources good jobs and hollows out the ones that are left, it’s a clear signal for other companies to do the same. These workers, this community and this country all deserve better.”
On May 9, Local 86 members voted by 94 percent to reject a contract offer from Triumph that failed to restore deep concessions taken from workers in 2013. The company further angered workers by stating it would continue to send work to Mexico.
“Triumph management guaranteed this lockout with proposals designed to pit new hires against long-term employees and create a divisive and hostile work atmosphere,” said Allen. “I salute these members for having the courage to stand up to corporate bullying and demanding to be treated with the basic respect all American workers deserve.”
IAM District 751 President Jon Holden, who joined Martinez and Allen on the picket line, called on Triumph to immediately suspend its use of strikebreakers and resume good faith bargaining. “This dispute will be settled once management recognizes the hard work and dedication of the skilled workers who earn Triumph millions of dollars every day,” said Holden.
Visit the IAM Eastern Washington Facebook page for updates and photos as the strike develops.
