General Dynamics Workers at Alabama Army Depot Say "Yes" to USW

By a two-to-one margin, the makers of "Striker" and "Fox" armored military vehicles have voted to become members of the USW. The 124 workers at the Land Division of General Dynamics in Anniston, Ala. work side-by-side with military personnel on Anniston’s Army Depot.

Employees here talked about a large disparity in wages as one of the leading reasons for seeking USW backing. Military personnel are making about $20.00 an hour while non-military workers, performing nearly identical assignments, are making between $8.00 and $12.00 an hour. Benefit reductions and an ever-changing set of work rules were also of keen concern to workers.

"This was a great team effort," said Clarence Brown, Director of Organizing in Alabama. "I give the workers a lot of credit. Since this was a military installation we had little direct access. The workers had to do much of the work themselves; but, our organizers did a great job with home visits and follow-up. Everyone played their part well and this is the result."

"We’re happy for these workers. We’re glad to be able to help them get better wages and working conditions," Brown said. "This is what it’s all about – having a voice in the workplace."

This marks the first time workers at this location will have Union representation. The USW is also actively organizing a sister General Dynamics facility in Tallahassee, Fla.