Gainesville, Texas – September 24, 2026 -- More than 350 members of Teamsters Local 767 walked off the job at Safran Seats in Gainesville, Texas, launching an unfair labor practice strike after the aircraft-seat manufacturer refused to remove a mandatory overtime provision from its contract offer.
Workers rejected Safran's contract offer on September 18 over overtime clause
Local 767 members rejected the company's proposal on Sept. 18 specifically due to the mandatory overtime provision. The union returned to the bargaining table and warned Safran that any agreement retaining the clause would be voted down, leaving members with no option but to strike.
Union president says company 'played games' instead of revising terms
"Instead of addressing Safran Teamsters' concerns with a provision in the tentative agreement, the company has decided to play games at the bargaining table and forced us to the picket line," said Dave Reeves, President of Local 767. He said the strike will continue until Safran presents a revised agreement without mandatory overtime.
Striking workers demand restored holiday pay and wage increases for veteran staff
Michelle Shero, a 20-year Safran Teamster, said workers are striking for no mandatory overtime, restored holiday pay, and fair wages, including for employees who have already topped out on the pay scale.
Plant builds airplane seats for major airlines as one of the nation's largest suppliers
The Gainesville facility produces airplane seats for major airlines and is one of the largest suppliers of its kind in the country. Teamsters Local 767, chartered in 1956, represents workers at 10 employers across the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area.