Post-strike statement: Leonardo DRS appreciates the professionalism of the WP workforce

A month-long labor dispute between IAM Local 2782 machinists’ union and employer, Leonardo DRS, of West Plains, ended with a vote to ratify a new contract on May 30. 

 

A source who asked Howell County News not to use his name contacted the office on April 25 to report the machinists had voted to strike. By May 1, workers were standing outside the gates of Leonardo DRS with signs accusing the facility of a “lock out.”

 

Despite remaining in continuous contact with representatives of the union in the early days of May while workers stood in silent protest near the new Independence Dr. overpass, there was no publicly available information from either the union or Leonardo DRS. 

 

Press releases from the union began to roll out beginning May 11, while Leonardo DRS declined to comment on the ongoing dispute. 

 

“Leonardo DRS builds its reputation and its profits on the backs of IAM skilled workers in West Plains,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant in a May 19 release. “These are the men and women who manufacture the fire support systems, battlefield surveillance equipment, fuel and water distribution systems, and force protection technologies that our troops depend on in the field. While Leonardo DRS tells the Pentagon it’s committed to supporting America’s warfighters, it’s locking out the very workers who make that commitment real. That is not just hypocrisy, it is bad faith at the bargaining table, and it will not stand.”

 

By May 23, the union released a statement announcing they had contacted U.S Senator Josh Hawley and Governor Mike Kehoe’s respective offices. 

 

On May 30, the union announced a vote ratifying a new contract. Workers had been “locked out” and protesting for 29 days.

 

“These workers stood together and made their voices heard,” said IAM District 9 Business Representative BJ Wear  via the May 30 release. “Through their unity and determination, they secured meaningful gains that will improve the lives of members and their families. This ratification reflects the power of workers standing together and refusing to settle for less than they deserve.”

 

These gains are wage increases of 10% in the first year, 4% in the second year, 4% in the third year, 5% in the fourth year, and 5% in the fifth year, delivering a total compounded wage increase of more than 30% over the life of the contract. Members also secured protections that limit annual increases in insurance premiums to 5% per year, with no changes to healthcare copays, according to the union statement. 

 

Leonardo DRS provided a statement to the News on June 10, saying the company is “pleased to have reached an agreement with employees.” represented by the International “We appreciate the employees' vote and the work of the negotiating teams on both sides to reach an agreement. Our focus now is welcoming our employees back, supporting a safe and orderly return to normal operations, and continuing to deliver on our commitments to the U.S. military and our allied customers. Leonardo DRS values the skill, dedication, and professionalism of the West Plains workforce and the important role they play in producing mission-critical defense capabilities. We look forward to moving ahead together under this new agreement and to maintaining a strong working relationship,” reads the statement from Leonardo DRS.