YORK, Pa. — About 800 workers at BAE Systems in York say they're going on strike.
According to The United Steelworkers (USW), about 800 members of Local 7687 gave notice that they'll begin an unfair labor practice strike at the BAE Systems' facility located at 1100 Bairs Road in West Manchester Township at 11 a.m. on Aug. 31.
"BAE has reaped the benefits of having a world-class, dedicated union workforce," USW District 10 Director Bernie Hall said via a press release. "There's no reason except greed for the company insisting that loyal, experienced workers accept less than what they have earned and deserve."
Hall said that members of USW Local 7687 have been flexible with BAE management, including working through the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the release, workers have functioned under the terms of an expired contract since Oct. 2021.
Bill Peene, vice president of Local 7687, said that these experienced workers are being the most effected by BAE's management.
"To have a company that's trying to take the pensions away from these people and have insurance premiums for our retirees up to $12,000 copays," Peele said. "We just don't feel that's appropriate for such a skilled workforce. "
Alicia Gray, the company spokesperson for BAE Systems, released the following statement:
Despite BAE Systems’ efforts to bargain in good faith with United Steel Workers Local 7687, the union supporting our York facility has voted against our proposed contract. We put forward three reasonable and competitive offers, with our latest proposal turned down.
We remain hopeful that the Union will re-engage in the negotiating process, as we truly value our skilled workforce. BAE Systems remains committed to reaching an agreement that is fair and equitable to all of our employees, and that ensures our continued competitiveness as we produce critical products to support our Armed Forces.
