Workers at V2X Vertex Aerospace in Fort Worth, Texas, who maintain military aircraft at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport (KAFW), have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union. The decision was made through a mail-in ballot election that concluded on December 30. The group will now be represented by IAM District 776.
The organizing effort gained momentum after employees reached out to the IAM for assistance in June 2025. According to IAM Associate Organizer Keith “Chub” McCrory, “This campaign really belongs to the workers. They stuck together through delays, through uncertainty, and they never lost sight of why they wanted a union.”
McCrory noted that organizing conversations had taken place over several years but intensified when an employee asked how to begin the process. “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 drive encountered challenges due to the 2025 federal government shutdown, which delayed the election process. Despite this setback, McCrory said workers remained committed: “I honestly thought the shutdown might cool things off. But they hung in there. That’s what made this win so meaningful.”
Some employees had previous experience with IAM representation and played a role in building support for unionization among their colleagues while addressing misinformation about unions. McCrory stated that although there was some internal opposition, the company did not conduct a significant anti-union campaign.
“In the end, people will see what a contract can do for them,” McCrory said.
IAM is recognized as one of the largest unions representing aerospace and defense workers nationally and already represents V2X members at other locations.
“Planting the flag out there was the goal,” McCrory added. “This is just the beginning, a new beginning in that area.”
McCrory credited fellow organizer Joey Barnes and members of District 776 for supporting the campaign throughout its duration: “We wouldn’t be here without District 776’s help,” he said, also acknowledging support from District President Doyle Huddleston.
