Council 57 Helps Machinists Win Raises, Better Safety Standards Following Strike

Council 57 and a number of our locals gave the gift of solidarity this holiday season by supporting the successful two-month strike organized by machinists at Henkels Bay Point.

As a result of the strike, 80 machinists at Henkel Bay Point will be able to return to work. In addition to AFSCME members, labor and other community organizations poured out their generosity.

Henkel’s workers, who manufacture industrial glue and adhesive products for the aerospace industry, staged an Unfair Labor Practice strike beginning October 16 over health and safety concerns.

“We won respect for our union, improved health and safety procedures and a fair wage increase because of the strength of our union and the support of the community, the Contra Costa AFL-CIO Labor Council and the Contra Costa Building Trades Council,” said Will Morris, Machinists Local 1584 negotiating committee leader. “More than 200 faith, community and elected leaders joined us on the line or donated to our strike fund. We thank the many people and organizations that stood with us.”


Workers won fair pay increases, holiday pay, opportunities for training and advancement, and stronger safety language.

“We look forward to returning to work with and working with Henkel management to produce the best adhesive product on the market,” Machinists Area Representative Steve Older said.

Among the more than 50 unions and community organizations that donated to the machinists’ strike fund were: 


  • AFSCME Council 57
  • 
AFSCME Local 2428

  • AFSCME Local 512
  • AFSCME Local 2700

  • AFSCME Local 2019

  • AFSCME Chapter 57 Retirees