Members of IAM Local 2771 (District 776) at M1 Support Services, located at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, have overwhelmingly approved a new four-year contract as of Mar. 31. The agreement includes pay increases totaling more than 22 percent.
The contract is significant for the approximately 550 workers who support the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Program (ENJJPT), which is known as the only multi-nationally manned and managed flying training program focused on producing combat pilots for NATO. Each year, about 200 pilots and 55 instructor pilots complete the program’s intensive training schedule.
Cory Bennett, Chief of Staff for IAM District 776, said, “Our members wanted to keep up with the affordability crisis, and keep the contract language gains they have won over the years. Our negotiating committee delivered for the members and we improved the contract language in key spots. That led to the strong ratification vote.”
Key provisions in the new deal include locked-in employee and family healthcare contributions and stronger language regarding scope of work and work rules. Notably, it specifies that IAM members will be paid if management cancels overtime shifts after employees have been notified.
Craig Martin, General Vice President for IAM Southern Territory, said: “They deserve this strong contract that reflects the value of the work they do. Solidarity like this brings our members the job security needed for four more years of stability on this contract.”
IAM members are responsible for flight operations and maintenance on T-6 Texan and T-38 Talon aircraft used to train future NATO pilots—a mission that supports both United States Air Force operations under the 82nd Training Wing as well as those from fourteen allied NATO countries.
