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 in Maryland and Edwards Air Force Base in California. The bargaining committee was joined by district leadership, International President Brian Bryant, and members of the IAM Executive Council to deliver a message calling for a fair agreement that reflects the value of their work.
The union says its members are responsible for manufacturing the F-35 fighter jet, which is described as the world’s most advanced multi-role fighter. Doyle Huddleston, president and directing business representative of IAM District 776, said: “Our membership here at Lockheed Martin manufactures the best next-generation fighters for the U.S. military and militaries across the globe. An agreement for the membership, their families, and communities must be as strong as the products they produce.”
IAM has worked to secure federal funding for the F-35 program over several years. This year saw a record number of bipartisan congressional supporters sign on to maintain strong funding levels. According to union statements during negotiations, supply chains supporting this program provide more than 250,000 jobs through nearly 2,000 suppliers across 48 states and Puerto Rico.
Preparation efforts included an extensive course held at district offices in January covering contract language drafting, strategic planning, costing analysis, communications strategies, and negotiation simulations. Union leaders also conducted surveys and town halls to gather member input ahead of talks.
International President Brian Bryant said: “This committee was elected by our membership to represent them at this table… These dedicated experienced leaders understand the responsibility they have and are here to secure a fair agreement with full confidence of the membership behind them.”
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.” Craig Martin stated that top issues include employer retirement contributions growth, health care cost control measures and wage progression improvements.
