1,350 IAM Union Members at Olin Winchester in Kansas City Vote to Reject Contract, Strike for Fairness

INDEPENDENCE, MO., April 3, 2026 - Approximately 1,350 workers represented by the IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Local 778 at Olin Winchester in Kansas City, Mo., have voted to reject company's management substandard contract offer and go on strike at 12:01 a.m. CT on Saturday, April 4, when their current contract expires.

The decision to strike comes as the company failed to produce an offer that IAM Union members deemed fair on key issues, including wages, mandatory overtime and work-life balance.

Employees at Olin Winchester's Lake City Army Ammunition Plant manufacture small arms ammunition for the U.S. military and allies, playing a critical role in the company's success and the nation's military supply chain.

"The bargaining committee did not recommend a yes-vote on the company's offer and the membership showed the same sentiment," said IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Scott Brown . " The company's offer to these workers is just not good enough. We are not asking for anything unreasonable, as these workers have not seen wage increases reflective of the economy and have endured countless hours of overtime. "

The IAM Union has consistently advocated and won congressional funding for U.S. Army ammunitions that benefits Olin Winchester, IAM Union members, national security and the Independence community

"IAM Local 778 members at Olin-Winchester have the full support and solidarity of the IAM Midwest Territory," said IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli . "These workers are simply asking for what is fair for their hard work and dedication for many years. Our members are not going to settle for less than they deserve."

"The decision to strike is always a courageous one, and the members of our union do not make that decision lightly," said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. "Union members who stand-up for better, raise the standard for all workers, and the IAM Union is fully behind our Local 778 members who will be walking the picket line for the contract they deserve."

Picket lines will be established outside the facility beginning at midnight. IAM Union representatives will be available for further comment as the situation develops.

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