Workers at the plant assemble electronic circuit boards used in missiles, and military communication and encryption devices. Union members prepared for the strike by holding a "practice picket" outside the plant three weeks before the walkout. The picket lines are mostly made up of women.

Jim Cocke, president and chief executive officer of Group Technologies, responded to the walkout by stating the company "will not allow anything to get in the way of keeping our commitments." He threatened to hire workers recently laid off from other local electronics firms. "We have products that are very important and we know they are being used" in the U.S. war against Afghanistan, he said.

According to members of Teamsters Local 79, the issues are insurance premium deductions, wages, and vacation time. The company wants to double paycheck deductions for health insurance within two years, costing workers up to $145 per month. Their wage offer, 43 cents an hour increase over two years, comes after a five-year wage freeze. Group Technologies also wants to take back one holiday, and one week of vacation from the workers with the highest seniority, who now get four weeks off.

About 200 union members work in the military manufacturing section of the plant. Another 200 work in the civilian products section at the same location. They are also members of Local 79 and their contract expires next year.  
 
 
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