CHICAGO, Nov. 3, 2023 – Approximately 60 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Mechanics Union Local 701 working at M&K Truck Centers (Laborforce, LLC) are now on strike for a fair contract in Alsip, Ill.
The strike began on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. Members are currently on the picket line.
IAM members working at M&K Truck Centers have unanimously rejected the company’s last, best and final offer and authorized a strike. The company proposal aimed to eliminate core benefits, such as participation in the Union’s Health and Welfare and 401(k) plans, and instead move the members into company-provided plans with significantly worse benefits. Additionally, the offer failed to address several crucial proposals made by the union, including eliminating a two-tier pay structure.
The current contract expired on Aug. 31, 2023, and the bargaining unit members continued working under an extension agreement that ended on Oct. 31, 2023.
“The members of IAM Mechanics’ Union Local 701 have spoken, and their message is clear: The company’s offer is simply not good enough,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steven Galloway. “Our members are the backbone of the company, and their labor is critical to the company’s success. They deserve to be recognized for their skills with a contract that upholds fair working terms and conditions.”
IAM members at M&K Truck Centers are highly skilled technicians who ensure trucks are reliable for safe and efficient product delivery.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among North America’s largest industrial trade unions and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airline, railroad, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.