IAM Wins Court Fight Over Boeing Picket Rights
November 8, 2005
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The IAM won an important legal victory in Federal Court today when a judge issued a permanent injunction that expanded free speech rights of striking Boeing workers in Huntsville, AL.
The IAM filed suit in U.S. District Court in Aniston, AL, charging the Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority with placing excessive restrictions on the rights of IAM picketers on strike against Boeing in Huntsville. The Airport Authority limited the strikers to locations well away from the entrances to Boeing’s main facility.
In his decision, District Court Judge Robert Propst granted a permanent injunction allowing the strikers to picket the main gate of the facility, with reasonable restrictions regarding the number of picketers allowed.
The City of Huntsville and the Machinists union are continuing to meet in an attempt to resolve issues concerning adequate lighting at other locations, and to ensure that IAM members’ rights of assembly and free speech are observed and protected.
The IAM is in the 6th day of a strike against Boeing space and defense facilities in Alabama, Florida and California. Key issues in the strike include an attempt by Boeing to end retiree health care for new hires and increased healthcare costs for current employees
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO, CLC, is one of the nation’s largest trade unions, representing more than 720,000 active and retired members. For additional information about the IAM, visit their website at
