IAMAW Local Lodge 2003 will hold a strike sanction vote for the M1 contract on February 19th and 20th, from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. watch day, at the Union Hall, located at 345 U.S. Highway 84 West, Daleville, AL 

What Is Strike Sanction?

Members have asked for an explanation of the strike sanction process so they better understand its importance. Holding an initial strike sanction vote well in advance of the actual company’s last and final offer accomplishes two important things.

Reasons for Strike Sanction Vote

1. It is required in the IAM Constitution. The initial vote provides advanced legal notice to the Grand Lodge, so members will receive strike benefit checks without any undue delay IF they vote to strike after voting on the contract offer.
2. An early strike sanction vote is a prime opportunity to demonstrate the members on the M1 Contract are united behind the negotiators. A strong signal of member-ship determination can persuade the company to bargain earnestly and reduce the chances you will have to strike to secure a good agreement. It is your chance to demonstrate your solidarity.

Important Points to Remember

• This vote is in no way an indication a strike will occur.
• The only way to call a strike is if, after members have looked at M1’s final proposal, a majority vote to reject the proposal AND two-thirds (66 2/3%) or more vote to reaffirm the strike sanction.

The IAM Constitution requires a reaffirmation of strike sanction when you vote on M1’s final offer. The second reaffirmation gives members a chance to change their minds once they have seen the Company’s proposal. When a member votes to reaffirm, they are saying they are willing to strike. The initial strike sanction vote is done before members have seen an offer; therefore, it could never be used to take members out on strike.

STRIKE SANCTION BALLOT

You will vote either YES or NO to grant the Negotiating Committee Strike Sanction Authority (see sample ballot below). Again, this is in no way an indication a strike is likely. It is a showing of support for negotiators that you are serious about getting a good contract.

CONTRACT PROPOSAL VOTE (2 Ballots)

• If a majority of voting members vote to ACCEPT the contract, negotiations end and the contract is signed.
• If a majority of voting members vote to REJECT the contract, but LESS THAN TWO-THIRDS vote to strike, the contract is automatically accepted by default. The Union cannot call a strike.
• If a majority of voting members vote to REJECT the contract, and TWO-THIRDS (66 2/3%) OR MORE vote to strike, a strike can be called.

For more information, please download the files below.