Local 261C Ratifies Four-Year Agreement with Northrop Grumman at Rocket Center, WV

Local 261C at Rocket Center, WV ratified a four-year Agreement on August 28, 2025. The Agreement calls for across-the-board increases each year of the contract. The first-year raise is 5.22%, year two 3%, year three 2.9% and a year four increase of 2.84%. Additionally, there was a one-time bonus at ratification of $4,000 per active employee. Many other improvements are included in the Agreement. Bereavement was increased with additional family members covered and more days for immediate family.

Several Classifications got wage adjustments to bring some first-year wages increases of up to 11% for over 30% of the membership. The starting wage scale progression was increased 8/8% at ratification. In year 2 and 3 the progression wage increases are 7.5% each year.

The employer, Northrop Grumman (NG) bargained hard and Local 261C was up to the challenge. 261C rejected one offer to get NG back to the Table for a Last Best and Final offer with all of the above-mentioned improvements.

It is important to note, Local 261C fought hard as a united group to gain the largest increases in the history of bargaining at Rocket Center.

This agreement brings labor peace to the 724 active members of 261C as well as a great future for NG as it is integral in the construction and delivery of munitions to the Warfighters of the US Navy.

Congratulations to President Colin Engelbach, Sec-Treas Bill Mickey and their Negotiating Committee who held the line in a very difficult bargain.

Gerry Setley, Council VP
Director Region 4