Workers from Machinists Union Local 1562 at Howmet Aerospace in Kingston are on the picket line. More than 70 workers from the facility, which makes fasteners used in aircraft, say they’re on strike for better wages and overtime benefits.
“The company was unwilling to make any more concessions to economics," said International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Business Representative Kevin Weidman. "They told us that was their best and final. We don't believe that that was beneficial to the membership, and we told them that we'd be willing to talk once they were able to put some more money on the table.”
What You Need To Know
- Workers from machinists union local 1562 at Howmet Aerospace have been on strike since the beginning of November
- Talks between the union and company have stalled as workers call for higher wages and better overtime benefits
- Howmet Aerospace manufactures fasteners used in aircraft
The workers were considered essential during the height of COVID-19, working through the pandemic even as some got sick. They said negotiations with Howmet have stalled.
A spokesperson for Howmet said, “We have listened to their concerns, but some differences do remain. We feel that our offer is fair and we hope to reach an agreement in the near future.”
Jason Marchuck, who has worked there for five years, said workers just want a good deal.
“All we want is our fair share," he said. "All we want is what was promised, which was during the pandemic, we would be handsomely rewarded. And like I said, it hasn't come.”