IAM District 776, representing approximately 5,000 members in Fort Worth, Texas, as well as members at NAS Pax River, MD and Edwards AFB, CA opened contract negotiations with Lockheed on Thursday, March 26. The bargaining committee, along with District leadership, International President Brian Bryant, and members of the IAM Executive Council, delivered a strong message to the company: this highly skilled and dedicated workforce is committed to achieving a fair and equitable agreement commensurate with the respect the membership has earned.
View photos from the IAM/Lockheed contract negotiations opener.
“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.”
IAM members at the facility build the F-35, the world’s most advanced multi-role fighter.
Over the years, the IAM has fought hard to secure federal funding for the F-35 program. This year, at the IAM Union’s urging, a record 126 bipartisan members of Congress signed on to continue strong funding for the F-35 program.
Now it’s time to negotiate a solid agreement that is crucial for IAM District 776 families, the Fort Worth community, the entire state of Texas, and the aerospace industry. The F-35 program supply chain supports over 250,000 jobs and nearly 2,000 suppliers spanning 48 states and Puerto Rico.
“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,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “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 IAM District 776 negotiating team participated in an extensive preparation course held at their district offices in January. This instrumental coursework covers drafting contract language, strategic planning, contract costing, communications, and negotiation simulation.
In addition to communicating with the members through surveys and other traditional means, the leadership at District 776 also held information town halls to hear the members’ concerns and desires for a strong contract.
“This committee, our leadership, and our members are all ready to get to the table to hammer out the best agreement we can,” said IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice-President Craig Martin. “Today and over the next several months, we are going to demand a contract that provides security and growth in the future.”
Growing employer 401(k) contributions, controlling health care costs, and improving the current wage progression are among the top issues to be addressed for the membership.
“Our members in Fort Worth have earned a strong contract,” said IAM Union Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “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.”
The current agreement ends at midnight on June 14, 2026.
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