Members of the American Federation of Government Employee (AFGE) union had some strong words for management at the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center on the Rock Island Arsenal on Thursday, April 13.
The AFGE Local 2119 members say management has forced a union contract on them without a vote by local union members. They say this move is illegal and they want management forced to the negotiation table to hammer out a fair deal.
“They think we aren’t going to raise our voices. … We are built to fight. We are ready to fight,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley during an informational picket gathering Thursday at Bechtel Park, Davenport, near the foot of the Government Bridge.
After Mr. Kelley’s comments before a crowd of about 50 — most appeared to be union members wearing AFGE 2119 T-shirts — people started chanting, “We will fight. We will fight.”
Negotiations for a new contract began in 2019. The AFGE Local 2119, which represents more than 400 workers, has yet to vote on the contract that is set to take effect on April 23. As federal workers, wages, time off and insurance are all set by Congress, and workers cannot go on strike. This leaves limited policies to bargain for, like working conditions and scheduling.
The union workers hold many jobs on Arsenal Island, working with raw materials, manufacturing and assembling military equipment from Howitzer cannons and even building mobile kitchens.
During the gathering, union officials said they hope members of the public will become aware of their situation and contact elected leaders who in turn will force Arsenal management to open talks for a fair work contract.
Mr. Kelley said Arsenal Island workers have done a top-quality job helping keep manufacturing costs down and greatly helping our military members around the world by providing needed equipment and materials.
He added that he is “deeply disappointed” with management on Arsenal Island.
“I think it’s a shame that management doesn’t know what it means to negotiate,” Mr. Kelley said.
Other speakers at the event called the Arsenal management’s actions illegal, hurtful to workers and military members, and disrespectful to federal employees.
“This move shows they don’t really care for us (who work) on the floor,” said Tim Russell, AFGE Local 2119 chief stewart.
Jason Alexander, AFGE District 7 national vice president, asked the public to “support these men and women who are supporting you.”
