Letter of Support from LL 733/2328 (Hawker Beechcraft)

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We are the Negotiating Committee of Local Lodge 733 in Wichita, KS, and Local Lodge 2328 in Salina, KS. As you may know, we recently won a strike against Hawker Beechcraft, and we wish to give you our heartfelt support in securing a good contract at Vought Aircraft.

Your fight seems familiar to us. As Yogi Berra once said, “It’s déjà vu all over again”. Hawker Beechcraft demanded big takeaways in both economic and contract language areas from us, even though they were highly successful and profitable. When our Negotiating Committee told the company “no,” the company went to the shop floor and tried to sell the rotten contract to the members. We understand that Vought is following the very same script.

Of course, our membership stood strong against the tactics, and managers trying to push the members, our membership rejected the contract by 90%, and voted to strike by 89%. We learned we could stand together, and we put up a strong strike and walked the line for 28 days, and the company returned to the table and we got improvements in all our key areas, and we went back to work, our heads held high, a strong Union.

Our motto was “Strength to Strike” and we proved we had the strength, and we prevailed.

We are here to tell you that it can be done. Also, we had great assistance from our District Lodge, our brothers and sisters at LL 774 (Cessna), LL 839 (Spirit), LL 639 (Bombardier/Lear Jet), and LL 834 (Boeing), who of course are now on strike along with their brothers and sisters in Seattle and Portland.

We also were assisted by the International and the Southern Territory. Aerospace Coordinator Ron Eldridge and Southern Territory Communications Representative Bob Wood were with us for the negotiations and strike. Their knowledge and expertise was crucial in our success. We understand they are now assisting your Committee, and you are in good hands with their assistance.

We know that a 401(k) is a good supplement, but pensions are far more important to aircraft workers and their families. We urge you not to divide your membership and to demand EVERYONE have the pension, and to bring your pension multiplier up to industry standards.

We understand your membership level is over 90%, and we are VERY impressed with the Solidarity that gives you that kind of membership in a right-to-work state. We know how hard it is, as we are under the same thing.

In closing, make no mistake, YOU HAVE THE POWER. Stand behind your Committee, don’t accept takeaways, and you will prevail. You have our full support. We had a battle cry during our strike, “One Day Longer.” We were willing to stay out one day longer than the company was willing to keep us out. It served us well, and if you are forced to strike, we will be with you ONE DAY LONGER!

In Solidarity,

Negotiating Committee
Local Lodge 733
Local Lodge 2328
District Lodge 70