6,500 Northop Grumman workers ratify pact, end strike

The 15 unions that comprise the Pascagoula (Alabama) Metal Trades voted 1,317-910 in favor of a new three-year contract with Northrop Grumman, securing a 15.2 percent wage increase over the term of the agreement.

Teamsters Local 991 in Mobile, Ala., represents 110 workers at Northrop Grumman who stood in solidarity with the other workers to protest negotiations that had seemingly reached a standstill. However, a tentative agreement was reached earlier this week and the two sides were able to find common ground.

"All things considered, this is a fair agreement," said Jim Gookins, secretary-treasurer of Local 991. "The membership is ready to get back to work and is satisfied with the package."

The 15.2 percent wage increase includes a 9 percent bump in the contract's first year. Additionally, the contract includes attendance and performance pay incentives, a COLA provision and maintenance of health care benefits.

"A lot of credit goes to the leaders in this unit, especially David Smith, David Coleman, Donald Toussaint and Cleo Johnson," Gookins said. "Without their commitment we would have never won this fight. They kept the group united and focused during the strike, updating their fellow workers on any changes in the situation."