IAM District 776, which represents about 5,000 workers in Fort Worth, Texas and additional members at NAS Pax River, Maryland and Edwards Air Force Base, California, began contract negotiations with Lockheed Martin on March 26. The union’s bargaining committee was joined by District leadership, International President Brian Bryant, and other members of the IAM Executive Council to deliver their message for a fair agreement.
The negotiations are significant as IAM members at these facilities build the F-35 fighter jet. Union leaders say that an agreement is important not only for the workers but also for their families and communities. “Our membership here at Lockheed Martin manufactures the best next-generation fighters for the U.S. military and militaries across the globe,” said IAM District 776 President and Directing Business Representative Doyle Huddleston. “An agreement for the membership, their families, and communities must be as strong as the products they produce.”
Union officials highlighted that over time they have worked to secure federal funding for the F-35 program. This year alone saw a record number of bipartisan Congressional supporters backing continued funding efforts.
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.” He added that these leaders understand their responsibility in securing a fair deal.
The negotiating team prepared through training courses covering topics such as drafting contract language and negotiation simulations. In addition to surveys and traditional communication methods with members, town halls were held to gather feedback on what should be included in a new contract.
Looking ahead at key issues like employer retirement contributions, health care costs, and wage progression improvements remain priorities during talks. Southern Territory General Vice-President Craig Martin said: “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…they show up to work to provide not just security for the nation but also to produce a highly profitable product for Lockheed.”
