Workers at V2X Vertex Aerospace in Fort Worth, Texas, who provide maintenance for military aircraft at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport (KAFW), have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The mail-in ballot election concluded on December 30, with employees voting in favor of IAM representation. The workers will now be represented by IAM District 776.
The organizing effort began years ago but gained momentum in June 2025 when employees reached out to the union for assistance. “This campaign really belongs to the workers,” said IAM Associate Organizer Keith “Chub” McCrory. “They stuck together through delays, through uncertainty, and they never lost sight of why they wanted a union.”
McCrory noted that while discussions about organizing had taken place over several years, progress accelerated after an employee contacted the IAM to start the process. “We met with a handful of them, dropped cards right away, and let them take ownership of the campaign,” McCrory said. “It’s their contract. It’s their future.”
The drive faced a challenge when the 2025 federal government shutdown delayed the election process. Despite this setback, workers maintained their commitment to unionizing. “I honestly thought the shutdown might cool things off,” McCrory said. “But they hung in there. That’s what made this win so meaningful.”
Some employees had prior experience with IAM representation and played a role in promoting union membership and countering misinformation within the workplace. According to McCrory, there was no significant anti-union campaign from management; however, some internal opposition attempted to create doubt among workers.
“In the end, people will see what a contract can do for them,” McCrory said.
This development is part of IAM’s broader strategy for growth in North Texas, where service contract work related to aerospace and defense is prevalent around Alliance Field. The IAM already represents V2X members at other sites and remains one of the largest unions in aerospace and defense nationwide.
“Planting the flag out there was the goal,” McCrory said. “This is just the beginning, a new beginning in that area.”
McCrory led the campaign alongside fellow Organizing Department Associate Organizer Joey Barnes and received support from leadership and members of IAM District 776 over several years. “We wouldn’t be here without District 776’s help,” McCrory added, acknowledging support from District President and Directing Business Representative Doyle Huddleston.
