UAW Workers At Rolls-Royce Indy Authorize Strike

Source: (Photo by Felix Kästle/picture alliance via Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS — United Auto Workers at Rolls-Royce in Indianapolis have authorized a strike.

On Thursday, UAW members at Rolls-Royce voted nearly 100 percent to authorize a strike, if necessary, with 86 percent of the membership participating in the vote.

The Indianapolis Rolls-Royce complex employs more than 800 UAW members and is the primary Rolls-Royce facility making aircraft engines for U.S. government contracts.

The current contract between the union and Rolls-Royce expires on February 26th. Rolls says in a statement that they are committed to good faith negotiations as they hope to avoid a strike.

Roll-Royce released this statement on the vote:

“Rolls-Royce remains committed to good-faith negotiations with our United Auto Workers’ union partners to reach an agreement that balances competitive terms and conditions with responsible business practices. Our represented workforce employees are important to our success, and we are focused on reaching an agreement that provides fair compensation, benefits and working conditions while ensuring the long-term viability of Indianapolis component manufacturing. We continue to meet regularly and look forward to reaching a resolution that benefits all stakeholders.”

John Snow, bargaining chairman at Rolls-Royce;

“UAW members at Rolls-Royce are standing up for the things that all workers deserve: Fair pay, decent healthcare, retirement security, and equal treatment. Newer workers at Rolls-Royce pay up to $16,000 just to provide healthcare to their families. Workers deserve equal pay and benefits for equal work.”