Solidarity with IAMAW Local 1855 Workers on Strike at AstenJohnson in Appleton

On October 16, 2020, eighty-nine members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) Local 1855 went on strike at AstenJohnson in Appleton for a fair contract. Workers of IAMAW Local 1855 at AstenJohnson make specialty fabric for the paper industry. IAMAW Local 1855 members rejected company contract proposals on Oct. 14 and Sept. 30. Despite mediator assistance, the company refused to budge off its concessionary proposals.

“The Wisconsin labor movement proudly stands in solidarity with our brothers and sister of Machinists Union Local 1855 who are on strike at AstenJohnson in Appleton for a fair and just contract,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. “Affordable healthcare is paramount to each and every working family, especially as we face an ongoing global health pandemic. It is unions who set the standard for wages and benefits for everyone. The brave workers of IAMAW Local 1855 in Appleton, Wisconsin are taking a stand and using collective power and the collective bargaining process to protect and save affordable healthcare for all of us. I want the workers of IAMAW Local 1855 to know that the labor movement of Wisconsin stands shoulder to shoulder with you.”

“I am proud to walk the line with my neighbors and Machinists Union brothers and sisters of IAMAW Local 1855 striking for a fair contract with affordable healthcare,” said Dennis Delie, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. “All working families deeply understand the importance of affordable healthcare, especially as a global health pandemic grips northeast Wisconsin and our entire nation.”