By The PA. AFL-CIO
– On Thursday, July 30, 2015 workers employed by Bowhead Support Group LLC at Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA voted overwhelmingly to form their union with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, (IAM), in a union election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board.
The group of nearly 1,000 workers at Letterkenny includes welders, electricians, and machinists in addition to vehicle equipment repair technicians. The vote was 485-144 in favor of the IAM. Under NLRB rules, results are determined by a simple majority of those casting ballots.
Stagnant wages, reduced benefits and sharp increases in healthcare costs were among the key issues that triggered the year-long organizing effort. Additional issues included job bidding and arbitrary layoffs without regard to seniority or ability.
“I’ve been a union member at another employer, and I’ve seen first-hand how collective bargaining can stabilize a workplace and give workers a voice on the job,” said Terry “T-bone” Young, a 7 1/2 –year Warehouse Specialist at the Letterkenny facility. “The only real way to protect our wages, healthcare benefits and seniority rights is with an IAM contract.”
Eastern Territory General Vice President Lynn Tucker, Jr. stated, “I’d like to welcome the new members of Bowhead. They recognized that IAM representation and a collective bargaining agreement as the best way to improve their careers and the economic security of their families. This campaign had to overcome some very large hurdles to be successful, and I extend my thanks to GLR Gary Anthony, the Eastern Territory Staff, and District 1 DBR Danny Chmelko, his staff, the Grand Lodge Organizing Department and the Districts, Locals that assisted in this organizing effort.”
President Bloomingdale and Secretary-Treasurer Snyder called it another huge victory for the entire labor movement but especially for these workers who will now have the strength that comes with having a collective voice on the job.
On behalf of our affiliates and our Vice Presidents we congratulate the workers, the leadership, and the staff of the IAM in their huge victory which is not only important to them but is just as huge for the entire labor movement. “This victory demonstrates what working people can form their union in spite of the obstacle and hurdles they may confront. It provides additional momentum as we move forward in rebuilding our labor movement and the middle class,” Bloomingdale said.
Secretary-Treasurer Snyder described the huge the victory as another big step in rebuilding the labor movement in Pennsylvania which is needed to bring fairness and dignity to all workers. “Every working family that believes in coming together to improve their lives is celebrating your success. Let us know if we may be of any assistance in getting your first contract,” Snyder said.
The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO along with several unions sent letters of endorsement to help let the workers know they had the support of thousands of workers in their area and across Pennsylvania.
Source – http://www.paaflcio.org/?p=6227
