Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) West Plains Local 2782 voted Saturday to reject the latest contract offer from Leonardo DRS, extending a workplace dispute that began May 1.
Union officials stated the weekend vote reaffirmed the membership's dedication “to win a fair agreement that reflects the critical nature of the work they perform every day for the U.S. military.”
Roughly 285 local workers remain affected by the employer-initiated lockout, which began after the membership rejected an initial corporate proposal over disputed wage increases and mandatory healthcare cost hikes.
The new development comes as IAM leadership escalates the local dispute to federal and state political levels. IAM International President Brian Bryant sent formal letters to Gov. Mike Kehoe and U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, urging both officials to stand with members of IAM Local 2782.
“Our members at Leonardo DRS have dedicated their careers to ensuring the men and women of our armed forces have what they need to complete their mission and come home safe,” Bryant said. “Leonardo DRS is profiting from record defense demand while locking out the very workers who make that possible. That is unacceptable.”
The nearly 300 West Plains employees manufacture heavily used combat support technologies, including the Stryker-based M-SHORAD counter-drone and air defense platform, battlefield surveillance systems, heavy assault bridging equipment, and fuel and water distribution systems.
Union representatives argue that federal defense spending structures leave no excuse for substandard local compensation packages.
“Our members didn’t come to this decision lightly,” IAM District 9 Business Representative BJ Wear said. “Leonardo DRS is benefiting from surging demand and a nearly $1.5 trillion defense budget that specifically prioritizes the exact systems our members produce. There is no excuse for the company to offer a compensation package that doesn’t reflect that reality.”
According to union data, Leonardo DRS — which partners with major defense firms including L3Harris, Moog, Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics — has experienced rapid backlog and revenue growth, particularly within the Middle East region.
“The members of Local 2782 are skilled, dedicated workers who manufacture systems that protect American lives on the battlefield,” IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli said. “The Midwest Territory stands fully behind these members, and we expect this company to make a stronger offer.”
Local union leadership stated they remain ready to resume negotiations immediately if management agrees to negotiate in good faith. Corporate representatives for Leonardo DRS have not yet issued a public statement regarding Saturday's vote.
