Textron Aviation and Union Resume Negotiations Amid Strike
Textron Aviation and Local 774 (District 70), representing striking workers in Wichita, Kansas, have announced plans to resume negotiations following three weeks of a labor strike. The company issued a statement on October 8, 2024, indicating that fresh talks will commence on October 10, 2024, although the strike will continue throughout the negotiation process.
Maggie Topping, Textron’s Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Communications, emphasized the importance of the relationship with union leaders and members. “We value our long-standing relationship with Union leaders and members and remain committed to collaborating and agreeing upon a contract that acknowledges employees’ contributions, setting us all up for long-term success,” she stated.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 774 (District 70) responded positively to the announcement, stating that they aim to discuss critical issues including general wage increases (GWI), health insurance, and paid time off.
Tensions escalated on September 29, 2024, when the union announced that Textron would terminate health insurance for striking employees effective September 30, 2024. This decision added to the urgency of the negotiations, as workers expressed concerns about their benefits during the strike.
Prior to the strike, on September 21, 2024, employees in Wichita overwhelmingly rejected the company’s latest contract proposal, prompting them to initiate the strike. The ongoing labor dispute reflects broader challenges in the aerospace industry as companies navigate employee demands for better compensation and benefits while attempting to maintain operational stability.
As negotiations approach, both Textron Aviation and Local 774 remain focused on reaching a resolution that meets the needs of employees while ensuring the company’s continued success. The outcome of these discussions will be closely watched by both workers and industry observers alike, as the situation develops in the coming days.
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