770 Join Machinists

Machinists recently scored a major organizing victory at the Patuxent River Naval Base in Southern Maryland when 770 aircraft repair technicians employed by DynCorp International joined IAM District 4.  “This win is the latest in a series of organizing wins for the Machinists Union,” the IAM reports. Key issues included having a voice on the job, rising health care costs and unpredictability over wages. “Special thanks to the in-plant committee at DynCorp for a job well done,” said Eastern Territory GVP Lynn D. Tucker, Jr. The successful organizing drive drew on the assets of the nearby IAM headquarters and the William W. Winpisinger Center. “Congratulations and thanks are due to all the representatives and districts that helped on this campaign,” said District 4’s Tony Provost, “particularly to Business Rep. Rick Compher, Apprentice Organizer Jimmy Alexander and District 4 organizer Ron Jacobs (who) worked day and night for months to secure this victory.”
Aircraft on the flight deck at Patuxent River Naval Base in Southern Maryland, photo from the IAM website