Machinists Seek Respect as Lockheed Martin Negotiations Open


International President Bob Martinez addresses Lockheed Martin representatives during the opening of contract negotiations.

IAM International President Bob Martinez recently sent a strong message on the opening day of contract negotiations between the IAM and Lockheed Martin. Both sides met face-to-face in Fort Worth, TX to lay out the issues they plan to discuss at the bargaining table.

WATCH: IAMAW Opens Negotiations With Lockheed Martin

Martinez let the Lockheed Martin negotiators know the foul odor the company left following the 10-week strike in 2012 still lingers today.

“The horrible acts on behalf of Lockheed Martin to punish and degrade our membership upon their return back to work will not be forgotten,” said Martinez. “Please know that we will never quit fighting for our defined benefit pension.”

IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Mark Blondin also took a firm position while addressing the company at the table.

“We’re not going backwards on the economic benefits our members have won over the years,” said Blondin.

Three separate agreements with the company affect 3,500 members in production, maintenance, firefighting and nursing.  The current contract expires July 3, 2016.

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