Workers at V2X Vertex Aerospace in Fort Worth, Texas, who provide maintenance services for military aircraft at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The mail-in ballot election concluded on December 30, with a majority of KAFW V2X employees choosing IAM representation. These workers will now be represented by IAM District 776.
The organizing campaign began to gain traction in June 2025 when employees approached the IAM for assistance. “This campaign really belongs to the workers,” said IAM Associate Organizer Keith “Chub” McCrory. “They stuck together through delays, through uncertainty, and they never lost sight of why they wanted a union.”
McCrory noted that conversations about unionizing had taken place over several years but accelerated after an employee reached out directly to the IAM. “We met with a handful of them, dropped cards right away, and let them take ownership of the campaign,” he said. “It’s their contract. It’s their future.”
The process faced challenges when a federal government shutdown in 2025 delayed the election process. Despite concerns that this delay might reduce momentum among workers, McCrory stated that support remained strong: “I honestly thought the shutdown might cool things off,” he said. “But they hung in there. That’s what made this win so meaningful.”
Some employees had prior experience with IAM representation and helped encourage their colleagues while addressing misinformation about unions. According to McCrory, there was limited opposition from management but some internal resistance from within the workforce itself.
“In the end, people will see what a contract can do for them,” said McCrory.
The successful vote is seen as important for IAM’s long-term growth strategy in North Texas, where service contract work in aerospace and defense is common. The union already represents V2X members at other sites and is recognized as one of the largest aerospace and defense unions nationally.
“Planting the flag out there was the goal,” McCrory added. “This is just the beginning, a new beginning in that area.”
The organizing effort was led by McCrory and fellow organizer Joey Barnes with support from IAM District 776 leadership and members over several years.
“We wouldn’t be here without District 776’s help,” McCrory said, acknowledging support from District President Doyle Huddleston.
