MARIETTA, Ga. -- Lockheed Martin Corp., the Bethesda-based defense contractor, averted a strike at two plants yesterday after federal mediators ordered the union representing workers to cancel the walkout and meet with the company Monday.
Workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers rejected separate contracts this week at plants in Marietta, where Lockheed produces the C-130J military transport plane and the F-22 fighter plane, and Palmdale, Calif., where it makes the F-117 stealth fighter. The strike had been scheduled for both plants at 11: 59 p.m. last night.
A strike would add to Lockheed Martin's struggles. The company said in late December that profit this year and next year will be lower than expected because of delays in satellite launches and deliveries of C-130J planes to customers.
Workers at the two plants are prepared to strike if Monday's talks fall through, union coordinator John Crowdis said yesterday. "A fair contract is all we ever wanted, and I sincerely hope this can get us there," he said.
C. Richard Barnes, the director-designee for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, sent a letter to Lockheed Martin and the union saying he expects "no strikes by the unions or lockouts by the employer" before the Monday meeting, the union said.
"We hope to avoid a work stoppage and we are prepared to listen," Lockheed Martin spokesman Jim Fetig said. He declined to specify what the company may add to its offer. "I can tell you we've made our best and final offer and that those talks had best be left to the negotiators," he said.
The Marietta plant's machinists union has about 4,300 members and the Palmdale plant has about 1,840 union members who could strike.
Lockheed Martin plans to cut 280 jobs at the Marietta plant because of slow sales and rising costs associated with its C-130J program. The job cuts represent about 3 percent of the plant's 9,300 employees.
Lockheed shares gained 68.75 cents yesterday to close at $37.50.
Pub Date: 3/06/99