IAM District 776 began contract negotiations with Lockheed Martin on March 26, representing about 5,000 members in Fort Worth, Texas, as well as those at NAS Pax River, Maryland and Edwards Air Force Base in California. The union’s bargaining committee was joined by district leadership, International President Brian Bryant, and other executive council members to deliver their message for a fair agreement.
The negotiations are significant because IAM members build the F-35 fighter jet, described as the world’s most advanced multi-role fighter. Union officials said the new contract is important not only for their families but also for the Fort Worth community and the broader aerospace industry.
“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.”
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.”
The negotiating team prepared through an extensive course covering topics such as drafting contract language and negotiation simulation. They also gathered input from union members through surveys and town halls to identify key issues including employer retirement contributions, health care costs, and wage progression.
IAM Union 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.”
