KANSAS CITY, April 16, 2026 —IAM International President Brian Bryant and Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli joined striking members of IAM Local 778 on Thursday for a roundtable discussion at the IAM Local 778 Union Hall in Kansas City, Mo., demanding that Olin Winchester return to the bargaining table and reach a fair contract with the approximately 1,350 workers who have been on strike since Saturday, April 4.

Listen to the full audio of the Roundtable Discussion

The roundtable came one day after IAM Local 778 representatives met with Olin Winchester negotiators. IAM Local 778 members at Olin Winchester’s Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Mo., the single largest producer of small-arms ammunition for the U.S. armed forces, walked off the job after their contract expired at midnight on April 4 over wages, mandatory overtime, zero paid sick leave, and unsustainable working conditions.

“The full weight and resources of the IAM are deployed right here, right now, in Missouri,” said Bryant. “IAM Local 778 members did not walk off that job because they wanted to. They walked off because Olin Winchester gave them no choice, no fair wage, no paid sick leave, no relief from forced overtime, and no respect. As long as they are standing strong on that picket line, the IAM is standing with them.”

Olin Winchester has received more than $53 million in state and local subsidies since 2001, plus an additional $81 million in loans and guarantees. The IAM said that public investment makes swift resolution of the strike a matter of accountability to Missouri taxpayers and to the members of the U.S. military who depend on Lake City for ammunition supply. The Independence facility manufactures 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm and .50-caliber rifle ammunition for the U.S. military.

“For the approximately 1,350 workers at this plant, mandatory overtime isn’t the exception, it’s a way of life,” said Cicinelli. “These workers manufacture the rounds used by the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, and critical ammunition for NATO allies. They deserve a contract that reflects the value and the sacrifice of that work. Olin Winchester has the resources to do right by them. It is time for them to use those resources at the bargaining table.”

During the roundtable, striking members provided first-person testimony detailing the impact of forced overtime, zero paid sick leave, and wage stagnation on their families and their lives outside the plant. 

“It’s been a 24-hour picket line, and we have had a great response and support from the community,” said IAM Union Local 778 Directing Business Representative Scott Brown. “There has been no offer to take back to our group. Our members are ready to get back to work, but it takes a fair agreement that reflects their value and the critical role they play.”

Olin Winchester employees and Local 778 members Vaughn Cochran and Travis Bradford both described the human cost of Olin Winchester’s mandatory overtime policy.

“I have missed vacations and other family events because I had no choice but to stay,” said Bradford. “There is no sick leave. There is no flexibility. We make the ammunition that protects this country, and we can’t even take a day off when we’re sick or need to see a doctor. That is why we are on strike.” 

“My son is a Marine, and I work hard to ensure the ammunition we make will allow my son to make it home, “ said Cochran. “When Olin Winchester refuses to bargain fairly with its workers, it is not just hurting 1,350 families; it is putting this nation’s military readiness at risk. Come to the table. Bargain in good faith. Do right by me and my coworkers who make this country safer.”

IAM Local 778 members are seeking a contract that provides fair wages, paid sick leave, and relief from a mandatory overtime policy that workers say is unsustainable. IAM Local 778 remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement and calls on Olin Winchester to resume good-faith bargaining immediately.

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

goIAM.org | @IAM_Union

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The Women’s & Young Workers Conference will be held this September 19-23 at the Hilton Palmer House in Chicago.

The conference will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the IAM Women’s Department all while gathering under a common creed “Emerging leaders building the labor movement of the future.”

More information will be made available soon. If you have any questions, please contact IAM Women’s and Young Workers Department.

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IAM Union International President Brian Bryant has been appointed Chair of the National AFL-CIO’s Legislative and Policy Committee — a highly influential body responsible for shaping and advancing the labor movement’s legislative agenda.

The committee plays a central role in developing policy priorities that impact working people across the country, including protecting workers’ rights, strengthening collective bargaining, expanding economic opportunity and ensuring retirement security. As chair, Bryant will help guide a unified approach among unions nationwide to advance pro-worker policies.

Bryant’s appointment reflects the growing influence of IAM Union members and the IAM’s highly effective Political and Legislative Department within the labor movement.

“I’m honored to serve in this role at such a pivotal moment for IAM Union members and all working people,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “This is about building a stronger, united labor movement that delivers real results. We’re focused on raising wages, protecting benefits and ensuring workers have a seat at the table when decisions are made. I’m incredibly grateful to AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and my colleagues on the AFL-CIO Executive Council for this great trust and responsibility.”

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Standing shoulder to shoulder outside Olin Winchester, IAM Local 778 members and allies in Independence, Mo., showed what solidarity truly looks like.

This strike is about fair wages—but it’s also about something deeper. It’s about having time to be present for your family, to rest, to live your life beyond the job.

Because no one should have to choose between making a living and actually living.

The post IAM Local 778 Members at Olin Winchester Rally for Fair Pay and Quality Time with Family appeared first on IAM Union.

IAM Local 63 (District W24)’s Young Machinist Committee recently hosted its inaugural “Gaming for Foster Teens” event, bringing together more than 15 members for a unique fundraiser supporting foster youth in their community.

Held at the IAM District W24 Union Hall in Gladstone, Ore., the event raised more than $1,200 through cash donations, a Mortal Kombat tournament buy-in, and a Duck Hunt high-score challenge. Proceeds will support the Local’s Foster Teens Christmas initiative, a long-standing effort led by Young Machinists to ensure foster teens – who are often overlooked during the holidays – feel seen, supported, and valued.

Each year, IAM Local 63 members raise funds, gather wish lists, and work directly with the Department of Human Services caseworkers to provide personalized gifts, essential items, and a sense of connection to teens who might otherwise receive very little.

The event was organized by Young Machinist Committee members Blayne Massey, Matt Lock, Jordan Harmon, and Noah Ramirez, who brought a fresh approach to engaging members and giving back.

“While attending a casino fundraising event, we realized that my age group plays games differently than previous generations, moving away from traditional casino games toward computer and arcade-style gaming,” said Lock. “Growing up, we held LAN parties where we would bring gaming systems to a house and play side-by-side. The Young Machinists Committee took the concept of an LAN Party and restructured it into a fundraising format.”

“Our young members are stepping up in ways that truly reflect the best of our union,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “Their leadership, creativity, and compassion are making a real difference – not just within the IAM – but in the communities we serve.”

See photos here.

IAM Local 63 President Scott Lacey and IAM District W24 Business Representative Jessica Deming joined the event, showing strong support for the initiative and the next generation of union leaders.

“What makes Foster Teens Christmas so powerful is its focus on dignity and connection. Volunteers don’t just hand out generic gifts; they make sure each teen receives something chosen specifically for them, along with the message that their community cares about them,” said Lacey. “Over the years, this work has grown into a deeply meaningful tradition that brings together union families, local partners, and foster youth, with far-reaching positive outcomes.”

Deming was especially inspired by the compassion and impact of the program. This year, she and her husband welcomed a newly adopted 16-year-old into their family. While she does not want to shift attention away from the initiative, she hopes IAM members and the general public understand how meaningful this work can be.

“Programs like this don’t just brighten a holiday, they help build futures, stability, and belonging for teens who deserve every chance to thrive,” said Deming.

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New leadership is on the labor landscape as Matt Hollis takes the reigns as National President of the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM), a historic rail union that represents 25,000 American workers.

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The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) released the following statement:

“The IAM Union is outraged by Apple’s decision to close its Towson, Md., store—the first unionized Apple retail location in the United States—and abandon both its workers and a community that relies on it for critical services and its unique access to public transit. Apple’s claim that the collective bargaining agreement prevents relocation is simply false and raises serious concerns that this closure is a cynical attempt to bust the union. We are exploring all legal options and will work with elected officials and allies to hold Apple accountable. We stand with our IAM Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE) members and the community that depends on this store for essential access and support.”

TAKE ACTION: Tell Apple to Keep Its Commitment to Towson, Maryland

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.

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INDEPENDENCE, Mo., April 9, 2026 – Approximately 1,350 striking workers represented by IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Local 778 are escalating pressure on Olin Winchester to reach a fair agreement and restore full operations at the Independence, Mo., Lake City Army Ammunition Plant—one of the most critical facilities in the U.S. defense industrial base.

The IAM Local 778 negotiating committee met with company representatives earlier this week and raised key concerns from the membership, including the need for pay that keeps up with persistent inflation, high turnover, and excessive mandatory overtime. The company indicated it would provide future dates to continue discussions.

Workers at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant are highly skilled professionals who manufacture small arms ammunition critical to the U.S. military. The facility is the backbone of America’s small-caliber ammunition supply and the only site capable of rapidly scaling production to meet national defense demands. The Independence facility manufactures 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm and .50-caliber rifle ammunition for the U.S. military.

IAM Local 778 members have been on strike since Saturday, April 4 after overwhelmingly rejecting a substandard contract offer from company management.

IAM Union sources indicate that very little production is currently taking place at the facility due to the absence of this highly trained IAM Union workforce. As global conflicts escalate, the ongoing disruption has the potential to impact the timely production of critical ammunition relied upon by U.S. forces and allied partners.

IAM Local 778 will host a solidarity rally on Saturday, April 11.

Despite receiving more than $53 million in state and local subsidies since 2001—and an additional $81 million in loans, guarantees and other public support—Olin Corp. has yet to present a contract that reflects the skill, dedication and essential role these workers play in national security and the regional economy. Olin Corp. has received over $1.2 million from the state of Missouri in the form of tax credits and subsidies.

“The company needs to recognize the highly skilled work being done at this facility and deliver a contract that keeps up with inflation, reduces excessive mandatory overtime and addresses the high turnover that is hurting this operation,” said IAM Union Local 778 Directing Business Representative Scott Brown. “Our members are ready to get back to work, but it takes a fair agreement that reflects their value and the critical role they play.”

“This facility plays a vital role in our nation’s defense, and it takes a highly trained, dedicated workforce to keep it running at full capacity,” said IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Olin Winchester needs to come to the table with a serious proposal that respects these workers and ensures the long-term stability of this operation.”

“As global conflicts continue to escalate, the importance of this work cannot be overstated,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Our members are standing up for a fair contract that reflects their skill, their sacrifice and the essential role they play in supporting our nation and its allies.”

The IAM Union has consistently advocated for congressional funding that supports military ammunition production—benefitting Olin Winchester, IAM Union members, national security and the Independence community. In 2022, the IAM Union beat back proposed federal funding cuts that would have devastated the Olin Winchester plant and workforce.

IAM Local 778 members at Olin Winchester generate significant economic impact in the Kansas City region, supporting nearly 50 local businesses and contributing more than $108 million annually in economic output.

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across North America in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive and other industries.

goIAM.org | @IAM_Union

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Dear IAM Union Family,

On behalf of the entire IAM Executive Council, I’d like to encourage every District and Local to identify and approve interested members to attend and actively participate in the 2026 Pride at Work Convention (June 2-4, 2026 in Minneapolis). Pride at Work is an AFL-CIO constituency group dedicated to advancing equality, dignity, and respect for LGBTQIA+ workers across our workplaces, unions and communities.

Pride at Work’s mission reflects what we stand for as a union: building a labor movement that cherishes diversity, promotes inclusion and ensures safety and dignity for all. Guided by the principle that “an injury to one is an injury to all,” we must continue to oppose discrimination in all its forms and strengthen solidarity across our diverse membership.

This work aligns directly with many IAM initiatives, including the continued growth of Human Rights Committees in every District and Local—ensuring we are fighting for all workers and that every member is welcomed, respected and fully included in our union.

The convention will be held June 2-4, 2026, at the Marquette Hotel in Minneapolis, with credentialing beginning June 1. Please make hotel reservations by Friday, May 1, as rooms are not guaranteed after that date.

Click here for more information and to register. The discounted early registration period ends on Sunday, April 19.

When we show up, engage, and stand together, we build a stronger, more inclusive IAM Union and a more powerful labor movement for all working people.

Please contact IAM Human Rights Director Nicole Fears at nfears@iamaw.org with any questions.

In solidarity,

Brian Bryant
International President
IAM Union

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IAM Union members at Crown Cork and Seal reached a new master agreement that will improve lives for approximately 400 IAM families across multiple locations. The new agreement covers members in Olympia, Wash.; Mankato, Minn.; and La Crosse, Wis.

The new three-year agreement delivers meaningful gains and protections for members, including the elimination of the third-tier wage structure in Mankato. As part of this change, 39 members will be rolled into updated classifications and pay scales, an important step toward greater equity.

“This agreement reflects the strength and solidarity of our members standing together across all three locations,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Eliminating the third tier in Mankato and delivering strong wage increases shows what can be achieved when members stay united at the bargaining table.”

The agreement also secures strong general wage increases in the first two years. Approximately 200 higher-tier members will receive 3% increases in each of the first two years, while 154 lower-tier members will receive dollar-based increases equating to an average of 13% over the life of the agreement.

In year three, the agreement includes a cost-of-living adjustment roll-in to base wages in May 2029, further strengthening long-term earnings.

“This agreement protects critical benefits while delivering real economic improvements for our members and their families,” said IAM Union Collective Bargaining Director Craig Norman. “Maintaining strong pension contributions and preserving industry-leading COLA language ensures long-term security alongside immediate gains.”

Additionally, the agreement maintains the current IAM National Pension Fund and Rehabilitation Plan contributions at $3.75 per hour for a 40-hour workweek under a company-paid preferred schedule. It also preserves the existing COLA language, including a scheduled roll-in of $1.47 per hour in May 2026, among the strongest provisions across IAM agreements.

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