IAM Union Members at Arrow Gear Ratify Strong Contract After 9 Weeks on Strike

After an intense nine-week strike, approximately 118 IAM Union Local 701 members at Arrow Gear in Downers Grove, Ill., have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year agreement that delivers major victories, including significant economic gains and critical improvements to working conditions.

The hard-fought contract also includes substantial increases to sick leave, stronger job protections, and more respectful terms on the shop floor.

“The strength, solidarity, and determination of our members was truly unmatched,” said IAM Union Local 701 Directing Business Representative Mark Grasseschi.

“They stood together for over nine weeks, fought for what they deserved, and made it clear that they would not settle for anything less than a fair and dignified contract. This contract gives our members the respect and dignity they deserve.”

The strike, which began on May 5, centered around issues of job security, fair wages, healthcare, and workplace respect. IAM members at Arrow Gear are essential to the aerospace and defense industries, and they took a stand for a contract that reflected their value and hard work.

Key gains in the new agreement include:

Job Security: Stronger protections against outsourcing, with the company committing to keep key work in-house.
Stability: A fair attendance policy that takes into account personal circumstances like injuries outside of work.
Respect: A commitment from the company to open, respectful communication.
Seniority Rights: Clear departmental homes and seniority-based job security, ensuring members’ rights are protected after years of dedicated service.

“After nine weeks of unwavering solidarity, our members have secured a contract they can be proud of,” said IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Their fight was not just for themselves, but for all Illinois workers. We are grateful for the community’s support and our labor allies who stood with us during this critical time.”

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

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Ray Hanania is an award-winning opinion columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.

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