Negotiating committee members from IAM Local 2171 recently completed a Negotiation Preparation Field Program in Johnstown, PA. The committee is scheduled to enter contract talks with Lockheed Martin in July.
District 98 Business Representative Mike Wentzel and Winpisinger Education and Technology Center Instructor Jon Irvine led the four-day training that gave the bargaining committee the tools needed to develop a strategic negotiating plan. Training included writing contract language, analyzing the company’s strengths and weaknesses, and communicating with members.
The week concluded with the group preparing their initial non-economic proposals.
“The field negotiation prep class is one of our most important programs,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “This Negotiating Committee will have all of the IAM’s resources available to them at the table.”
“The week of intense long days gave us the opportunity to assemble and develop a detailed plan to secure the best contract possible,” said IAM Aerospace Coordinator Bobby Barnwell. “We also attended the local lodge monthly meeting for a questions and answers session regarding the upcoming bargaining process.”
“The Committee worked hard, and it showed up throughout the week,” said IAM Aerospace Chief of Staff Jody Bennett. “The prep program prepares them to represent the members’ needs and head into negotiations with the necessary resources.”
“A huge thank you to the bargaining committee and BR Mike Wentzel for their hard work,” said District 98 Directing Business Representative Kevin Hallam. “Their hard work will pay off during the negotiation process.”