IAM District 776, which represents about 5,000 members in Fort Worth, Texas, as well as workers at NAS Pax River in Maryland and Edwards Air Force Base in California, began contract negotiations with Lockheed Martin on March 26. The bargaining committee and union leadership delivered a message that the workforce is seeking a fair agreement that reflects their value to the company.
The negotiations are important because IAM members build the F-35 fighter jet, described by the union as “the world’s most advanced multi-role fighter.” Union leaders say a strong contract is necessary not only for members and their families but also for the wider community and aerospace industry.
Doyle Huddleston, president and directing business representative of IAM District 776, said: “Our membership here at Lockheed Martin manufactures the best next-generation fighters for the U.S. military and militaries across the globe. An agreement for the membership, their families, and communities must be as strong as the products they produce.”
Union officials noted that federal funding for the F-35 program has been supported by efforts from IAM over several years. This year saw a record number of bipartisan Congressional members backing continued funding. The supply chain supporting F-35 production includes more than 250,000 jobs across nearly all states.
Brian Bryant, International President of IAM Union, said: “This committee was elected by our membership to represent them at this table, and I could not be prouder of the group we have assembled. These dedicated, experienced leaders understand the responsibility they have and are here to secure a fair agreement with the full confidence of the membership behind them.” Southern Territory General Vice-President Craig Martin added: “This committee, our leadership, and our members are all ready to get to the table to hammer out the best agreement we can. Today and over the next several months, we are going to demand a contract that provides security and growth in the future.” Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett said: “Our members in Fort Worth have earned a strong contract. Day in and day out, they show up to work to provide not just security for the nation but also to produce a highly profitable product for Lockheed.”
Top issues identified by union negotiators include increasing employer contributions to retirement plans such as 401(k)s, controlling health care costs for workers’ families, and improving wage progression systems.
