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INDEPENDENCE, Mo., April 20, 2026 – In a powerful display of solidarity and determination, hundreds of striking members of IAM Union Local 778 gathered at 5 a.m. this morning on the picket line outside the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, calling on Olin Winchester to return to the bargaining table with a fair contract offer.
The early morning rally brought together machinists, family members, and supporters in workers’ demand for a contract that respects their skill, dedication, and critical work. The striking IAM Union members are seeking meaningful wage increases and relief from excessive forced overtime that has strained employees and their families.
“Our members showed up before sunrise because they are committed—not just to this fight, but to the vital work they do every day,” said IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Scott Brown. “This company has the means to support its workforce fairly, but chooses to invest in stock buy-backs worth $1.35 billion and keep their CEO’s pay at nearly $10 million. It’s corporate greed, plain and simple. Olin Winchester needs to get back to the table with an offer that respects that reality.”
“The company likes to remind us how valued we are for ‘working together’ to support the warfighter, but expects us to make the sacrifices in our shared mission, like working years of excessive overtime or accepting substandard pay,” said IAM Local 778 Bargaining Committee member Janice Zehnder. “The company sure isn’t making any sacrifices, and they definitely aren’t keeping CEO pay low. We are not asking for a lot here, especially when you look at how well the company is doing.”
Olin Corporation’s Winchester segment sales increased by $41 million in 2025 and generated $67.7 million in net income for the company. It also has a $1.43 billion backlog of contractual orders, with 81% expected to be fulfilled in 2026.
Despite growing profits, the company has failed to offer compensation or working conditions that value workers’ contribution.
The Lake City workforce plays a critical role in supporting national defense, producing the vast majority of small-caliber ammunition for the U.S. military.
“Our members want to get back to work. We are ready to negotiate,” said Brown. “But it takes two sides willing to find a fair, common ground. It’s time for Olin Winchester to treat this workforce with dignity and come to us with a decent offer.”
