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August 19, 2008
As strikers at Hawker Beechcraft continue into the third week, more machinists are deciding it's time earn a little extra cash without crossing the picket lines. But even though some are seeking jobs elsewhere they still remain loyal to the cause.
Machinist Ben O'Shea has only been with Hawker Beachcraft in Salina for 10 months, but when it came time to vote whether to strike he said it was an easy decision. "Contract wasn't fair enough, I'm looking for the future of my family."
Like many out here on the line O'shea says he's looking out for his wife, their six-year-old daughter, and his son. "I wanted to be on the line as much as possible and support my union brothers here in Salina and in Wichita."
While he says he was prepared to go without a paycheck, he started looking for a job before the vote just in case. "Yes it hard, no one wants to hire you for part time."
Then the unexpected came up. "My daughters teeth need to be pulled all the sudden we found out yesterday she has an abscess tooth, so we need the money." Forcing him to seek outside employment for help. "I went out there not expecting anything and they said show up tomorrow morning 7:00." He will work construction until an agreement can be made. "I'm really grateful to them. It's not about me it's about my family."
And while he's supporting his family, he'll still support his coworkers, walking the picket lines on weekends.
After this week striking machinists will be able to receive strike benefits from the union. That will be $150 a week for walking the picket lines. In the meantime Salina machinist tell us they have been receiving lots of support. The local food bank has been assisting families.
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