Striking Oklahoma Machinists Showing Solidarity

IAM Local 850 members, family and community supporters entered the second week of a strike against Alutiiq Commercial Enterprises at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City to save their pensions.

Now into the second week of a strike at Tinker Air Force Base, IAM Local 850 civil engineering workers are standing strong in their fight to maintain the pension that’s been in their contract for the past 16 years.

Now into the second week of a strike at Tinker Air Force Base, IAM Local 850 civil engineering workers are standing strong in their fight to maintain the pension that’s been in their contract for the past 16 years.

More than 240 members are walking the picket line against Alutiiq Commercial Enterprises, a new contractor at the Oklahoma City base.

“The new company has come in and doesn’t want to participate in our pension anymore,” said striking Local 850 member Josh Brookshire. “The pension is a big part for us. We feel like we’ve earned it. We do a good job for them and all we ask them to do is honor the commitment that the other companies have.”

“Everything we do out here is mission critical. Everything they do inside, we provide the maintenance for,” said striking Local 850 member Suzanne Cusack. “But our families are mission critical too. These members that are out here standing on this line today are fighting for their pension. The pension that this company no longer wants to contribute to.”

Alutiiq, based in Anchorage, AK, took over the service contract from the base’s previous contractor on August 1, but has failed to implement the pension contributions negotiated in the existing collective bargaining agreement with the IAM.

“The morale on the strike line is very high,” said District 171 Directing Business Representative Tony Bennett. “We appreciate the support from brothers and sisters from other units and with your help we’ll stay strong.”

Local 850 civil engineering workers are responsible for maintaining the base’s electrical, plumbing, wastewater treatment and carpentry operations.

Keep up to date at Local 850’s Facebook page.

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