More than 120 helicopter mechanics and supply technicians working for Amentum at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida, have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union. This marks the first time an IAM-represented group will be present at this naval base.
The decision was made through a mail-in ballot election held on December 30, where employees voted by a two-to-one margin in favor of IAM representation. The workers involved provide maintenance and supply support for military helicopter operations at the installation.
“This was a campaign that required patience, education, and a strong core group of workers,” said IAM Assistant Organizing Coordinator Joe Solis. “The employees stayed engaged and committed, even when delays tested everyone’s resolve.”
IAM organizers began their efforts by reaching out to workers through existing networks and conducting direct conversations and meetings to educate them about union representation. The process faced challenges when the petition for representation was delayed due to the 2025 federal government shutdown.
“That delay made things more challenging,” Solis said. “But the workers stayed united and were excited just to finally see the process move forward.”
During the organizing campaign, Amentum hired about 30 additional employees. Despite delays from the government shutdown, union organizers remained confident in their efforts.
This development establishes an IAM presence at Naval Station Mayport for the first time.
“When you’re the first union on a military installation, it’s harder,” Solis explained. “You have to build trust from the ground up and spend a lot of time educating workers about what the union does and how it benefits them.”
Organizers highlighted IAM’s experience representing Service Contract Act (SCA) workers across defense, aerospace, and aviation industries nationwide.
“We explained that IAM Union are the experts in the service contract industry,” said Solis. “We’ve delivered strong contracts for thousands of workers doing this kind of work across the country.”
Preparations are underway to begin negotiations for a first contract between Amentum employees at Mayport and IAM representatives. Talks are expected to start soon.
“This win shows what’s possible when workers stay engaged and the Organizing Department works closely with the territories and districts,” Solis added. “That partnership is critical, especially during challenges like a government shutdown.”
