Machinists End General Dynamics Strike in S.D.

Striking machinists approved a new contract Thursday with General Dynamics’ Convair Division, ending a 25-day walkout at the San Diego plant.

About 83% of those voting approved the contract, but the new pact raised bitter feelings by workers toward officials from the International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Lodge No. 1125, who negotiated for the union.

Thursday’s vote was the third time that machinists had voted on essentially the same contract that was initially presented by the company July 14, when Convair officials called the proposal their “best and final offer.”

Beginning of Strike

The machinists rejected the company’s offer July 18 and July 26. They walked out July 19.

Union negotiators have been unavailable for comment since Convair officials announced the agreement Wednesday; union negotiators had recommended ratification.

Union machinists voted to ratify, 1,519 to 286.

Despite the ratification, Convair officials notified the union that not all striking workers can return to jobs. Convair hired 556 non-union workers during the dispute; their jobs are reportedly guaranteed by the company.

The union’s bargaining position was severly eroded when about 1,100 machinists crossed the picket lines. Convair officials said the combination of new workers and machinists who crossed the lines put the company’s work force up to 43% of capacity.