More than 120 helicopter mechanics and supply technicians employed by Amentum at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida, have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union. This marks the first time IAM will represent workers at this naval base.
The election was conducted by mail-in ballot and concluded on December 30, with a two-to-one margin in favor of union representation. The newly organized members provide essential maintenance and supply support for military helicopter operations at the installation.
“This was a campaign that required patience, education, and a strong core group of workers,” said IAM Assistant Organizing Coordinator Joe Solis. “The employees stayed engaged and committed, even when delays tested everyone’s resolve.”
The organizing effort began through established networks before moving to direct conversations and meetings where workers learned about the benefits of union representation. The process faced an unexpected challenge when the 2025 federal government shutdown paused the election timeline.
“That delay made things more challenging,” said Solis. “But the workers stayed united and were excited just to finally see the process move forward.”
During the campaign period, Amentum hired about 30 additional employees. Despite this change in workforce size and delays from the government shutdown, organizers expressed confidence in their efforts.
This outcome is significant as it establishes an IAM presence at Naval Station Mayport for the first time. Solis noted that being a pioneering union on a military installation brings unique challenges: “When you’re the first union on a military installation, it’s harder. You have to build trust from the ground up and spend a lot of time educating workers about what the union does and how it benefits them.”
Organizers highlighted IAM’s experience representing Service Contract Act (SCA) workers nationwide, especially in defense, aerospace, and aviation sectors.
“We explained that IAM Union are the experts in the service contract industry,” said Solis. “We’ve delivered strong contracts for thousands of workers doing this kind of work across the country.”
Preparations are underway for bargaining a first contract between IAM-represented employees at Mayport and Amentum management; negotiations are expected to begin soon.
“This win shows what’s possible when workers stay engaged and the Organizing Department works closely with the territories and districts,” said Solis. “That partnership is critical, especially during challenges like a government shutdown.”
