HAZELWOOD 鈥 The union representing hundreds of workers at the GKN Aerospace plant facing shutdown here is asking Missouri鈥檚 congressional delegation for help saving jobs.
Robert Martinez Jr., leader of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, wrote letters to both Missouri senators and five representatives this week requesting a meeting.
British-owned GKN said last month it would shutter the plant, which makes parts for commercial and military aircraft like Super Hornet fighter jets, by the end of next year. It said the place had struggled be profitable in recent years amid declining orders.
Martinez said that if GKN follows through, 1,000 people will lose their jobs, the local economy will suffer and the country will lose critical defense manufacturing capacity.
鈥淭he IAM is ready and willing to work with all parties to keep this facility running and maintain this essential workforce in Missouri,鈥 he wrote.