IAM District 776 is preparing for upcoming contract negotiations with Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. The district’s bargaining team recently completed a negotiation preparation course at the William W. Winpinsiger Education and Technology Center, led by IAM Education Representative Richard Dees. This training aims to equip the team with skills needed for the negotiations scheduled to begin on March 16.
The agreement under discussion affects about 5,000 workers at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility, where employees build the F-35 fighter jet. The current labor contract is set to expire at midnight on June 14, 2026.
To strengthen their approach, District 776 is also conducting additional courses at its own office. These sessions focus on drafting contract language, strategic planning, contract costing, communications, and running negotiation simulations.
“Prep week gives committee members the tools to face Lockheed and ensures success,” said IAM District 776 President and Directing Business Representative Doyle Huddleston. “Our members expect us to go in there and secure them the best contract we can. This will be possible in part because of the tools we gain this week.”
A strong labor agreement is seen as important not only for national defense but also for supporting approximately 300,000 supply chain jobs across the United States. Many of these jobs are held by members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).
Members of the negotiating team have emphasized that past preparation courses and ongoing support from IAM leadership have been vital in building their confidence ahead of bargaining.
“Negotiation preparation ensures that the committee has the necessary information to better equip their effort to raise the voices of our membership,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “This committee will be ready for successful negotiations.”
“This union commits every resource available at our disposal to support our membership at Lockheed,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We reaffirm our commitment to the membership in securing an agreement they deserve. Ensuring their negotiating team is prepared is paramount to that success.”
