Workers at V2X Vertex Aerospace in Fort Worth, Texas, who handle defense maintenance services for military aircraft at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union. The decision was made through a mail-in ballot election that concluded on December 30. The group will now be represented by IAM District 776.
The organizing effort gained momentum in June 2025 when employees reached out to the IAM for support after years of preliminary discussions. Keith “Chub” McCrory, an IAM Associate Organizer, said, “This campaign really belongs to the workers. They stuck together through delays, through uncertainty, and they never lost sight of why they wanted a union.”
McCrory described how initial meetings with interested employees quickly led to distributing authorization cards and encouraging worker-led ownership of the campaign. He stated, “We met with a handful of them, dropped cards right away, and let them take ownership of the campaign. It’s their contract. It’s their future.”
The process faced a setback when the 2025 federal government shutdown delayed the election. Despite concerns that this might reduce enthusiasm among workers, support remained strong. “I honestly thought the shutdown might cool things off,” McCrory said. “But they hung in there. That’s what made this win so meaningful.”
Some workers had prior experience under IAM representation and played a role in building trust among colleagues while countering misinformation about unions. According to McCrory, while there was minor internal opposition, V2X did not run a major anti-union campaign.
“In the end, people will see what a contract can do for them,” McCrory said.
The union sees this development as part of its broader strategy for growth in North Texas where aerospace and defense contract work is prevalent. The IAM already represents V2X members at other sites and remains one of the largest unions in this sector nationwide.
“Planting the flag out there was the goal,” said McCrory. “This is just the beginning, a new beginning in that area.”
Joey Barnes, another Associate Organizer from IAM’s Organizing Department, worked alongside McCrory during this effort with ongoing support from District 776 leadership and members over several years.
“We wouldn’t be here without District 776’s help,” added McCrory as he acknowledged Doyle Huddleston—District 776 President and Directing Business Representative—for his significant contribution.
