How a Leading Aerospace Manufacturer Protected Critical Operations During Labor Disruptions
For more than 20 years, a leading aerospace manufacturer has partnered with Strom to prepare for labor disruptions that could threaten production and operational continuity. Through strategic contingency planning and workforce deployment, Strom has helped the company protect critical operations while navigating union negotiations.
At a Glance
Industry: Aerospace Manufacturing
Services: Contingency Planning & Strike Staffing
Partnership: 20+ years
Key Outcomes:
- Maintained critical operations during labor disputes
- Deployed hundreds of qualified temporary workers across multiple facilities
- Protected essential equipment and workplace safety
- Supported a faster return to full production following labor disruptions
The Challenge
Large aerospace manufacturers operate in highly regulated environments where production delays can have significant financial and operational consequences. Strict delivery schedules, specialized equipment, and rigorous quality standards leave little room for workforce disruptions.
Over the course of our engagement, the challenge became even more complex because different employee groups were represented by separate unions, often with overlapping contract negotiations. Production personnel, skilled tradespeople, and specialized roles such as Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) firefighters each required different staffing strategies.
Without a contingency plan, the organization faced several risks:
- Production interruptions that could delay customer deliveries
- Critical equipment left without proper maintenance
- Safety and compliance concerns across multiple facilities
- Longer recovery times once labor disputes concluded
- Reduced bargaining flexibility during contract negotiations
The organization needed more than replacement workers. It needed a strategic partner capable of planning for a wide range of labor disruption scenarios.
The Strom Solution
Strom worked alongside the client to develop facility-specific contingency plans based on operational priorities and workforce requirements. With plans already in place, the organization could respond quickly whenever negotiations disrupted operations.
Strom's approach has included:
- Developing facility-specific contingency plans
- Recruiting qualified workers for specialized roles
- Coordinating deployment and workforce logistics
- Managing temporary personnel throughout each assignment
The Results
Over more than two decades, the partnership has helped the manufacturer protect critical operations through labor disruptions while supporting long-term business continuity.
Key results included:
- Deployed hundreds of qualified workers across multiple facilities
- Maintained safe, federally compliant operations during labor disruptions
- Protected critical facilities and equipment
- Accelerated the return to full production once agreements were reached
- Helped the client negotiate from a position of strength during contract discussions
More than 20 years later, Strom remains a trusted partner, helping the manufacturer prepare for future negotiations with confidence while protecting the continuity of its operations.
Prepare Before Labor Disruptions Impact Your Business
Whether you're preparing for upcoming union negotiations or building a long-term contingency strategy, Strom can help you protect operations, minimize downtime, and respond with confidence when the unexpected happens.