The International Association of Machinists (IAM) Union announced on Mar. 17 the ratification of a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with Leidos, covering Flight Service workers based in Ashburn, Virginia, and Fort Worth, Texas. The agreement includes wage increases, a ratification bonus, improved workplace protections, and enhanced benefits for union members represented by IAM Locals 2010 and 2011.
Flight Service workers provide key services to private pilots and commuters before and during flights. Their responsibilities include offering briefings on weather conditions and aeronautical hazards tailored to each route, filing flight plans for search and rescue protection or border crossing requirements, and managing air traffic control clearances.
The IAM bargaining committee fully recommended the agreement for ratification. Chief Steward Clay Dawson of the DCA Hub in Ashburn said, “This agreement reflects the voices and priorities of our members. By listening to our members and negotiating collectively, we were able to secure stronger wages, improved benefits, and protections that help guarantee job security for the next three years.”
Key economic provisions include a $2,000 ratification bonus paid upon approval of the contract; structured annual wage increases through 2028; increased Sunday shift premiums to 15 percent; a DLS premium raised to 7 percent; and equity wage adjustments for employees at the Ashburn location. Additional benefits involve an increase in the company’s retirement contribution to six percent under its 401(k) CODA plan, an extra floating holiday added to annual leave schedules, and expanded flexibility for Authorized Non-Pay usage.
Denise Heath, Chief Spokesperson and Special Assistant to the International President said: “It was truly an honor to represent this membership at the negotiating table. This committee made sure the voice of the membership was heard, and what they achieved reflects the strength of two Flight Service locals working together for all their members. Our strength has always been, and will always be, our unity.” IAM Aerospace Coordinator Bobby Barnwell also thanked the negotiating committee for their dedication over recent months.
A major focus during negotiations was protecting jobs from reductions tied to performance metrics. The new contract modifies call-handling metrics governing preflight briefings so they are more realistic. “This adjustment prevents management from using overly aggressive performance metrics as a justification to reduce staffing,” said IAM Local 2011 President David Villa. “It ensures our members can provide quality service while maintaining stable employment.” Villa also highlighted that both locals worked closely together throughout bargaining: “Our locals worked side by side to make sure the final agreement protects benefits, secures future raises, and strengthens the foundation for our members’ careers.”
The collaborative approach between IAM Local 2010 in Ashburn and Local 2011 in Fort Worth played a significant role in reaching this agreement.
