IAM District 776, which represents about 5,000 members in Fort Worth, Texas and additional workers at NAS Pax River, Maryland and Edwards Air Force Base, California, began contract negotiations with Lockheed Martin on March 26. The bargaining committee was joined by district leadership, International President Brian Bryant, and members of the IAM Executive Council to advocate for a new agreement.
The union said these talks are important because their members manufacture the F-35 fighter jet for the U.S. military and international allies. IAM District 776 President and Directing Business Representative Doyle Huddleston 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.”
The F-35 program is significant not only to those directly employed but also supports over 250,000 jobs across nearly 2,000 suppliers in 48 states and Puerto Rico. The union noted that it has worked to secure federal funding for this program over many years.
International President Brian Bryant 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.”
Union officials reported that preparations included training in contract language drafting and negotiation simulation earlier this year. Leadership also held town halls to gather feedback from members on key issues such as employer retirement contributions, health care costs control, and wage progression improvements.
Southern Territory General Vice-President Craig Martin said: “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 added: “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.”
