Lockheed Martin union could strike Sunday

The union said the company is offering wage hikes lower than those in past contracts and that the proposed pension plan “punishes” new and rehired workers by eliminating the defined benefit that would give them a fixed monthly payment in retirement.

“That is the key issue,” said Denise Rakestraw, president of Local 709. She also said fewer health care coverage options will be offered.

Lockheed said its wage package calls for increases of 3 percent, 3 percent and 2.5 percent each of the three years, totaling 8.5 percent. It also said it offered a $2,500 ratification bonus and an annual cost of living adjustment.

“We are very confident that the package we have offered is industry leading,” said Erica Crosling, a company spokeswoman. “You’re not going to find those benefits in a lot of other places.”

Lockheed called the retirement changes for new workers, “an important step ... to remain competitive in our industry.”

Crosling said non-union personnel would take on additional duties if a strike occurs.

Workers in Marietta struck over contracts in 2002 and 2005, but voted overwhelmingly to ratify a three-year deal in March 2008, ending a strike threat that year.

Local 709 represents factory, technical and office workers including mechanics, electronics technicians and assemblers. The Marietta facility has just under 8,000 total employees. The facility has five production lines, with the C-130J transport and the F-22 fighter as its main products.