IAM District 776 is preparing for upcoming contract negotiations with Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. The district’s bargaining team recently participated in a negotiation preparation course led by IAM Education Representative Richard Dees at the William W. Winpinsiger Education and Technology Center. The course is designed to equip the team with skills such as drafting contract language, strategic planning, contract costing, communications, and negotiation simulation.
The new agreement will affect approximately 5,000 Lockheed Martin employees who work on building the F-35 fighter jet. The current contract is set to expire at midnight on June 14, 2026, and negotiations are scheduled to begin on March 16.
Doyle Huddleston, President and Directing Business Representative of IAM District 776, said: “Prep week gives committee members the tools to face Lockheed and ensures success. 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.”
The union notes that securing a strong contract not only supports national defense but also has economic impacts by supporting about 300,000 supply chain jobs across the country. Many of these positions are held by IAM members.
IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin commented: “Negotiation preparation ensures that the committee has the necessary information to better equip their effort to raise the voices of our membership. This committee will be ready for successful negotiations.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant added: “This union commits every resource available at our disposal to support our membership at Lockheed. We reaffirm our commitment to the membership in securing an agreement they deserve. Ensuring their negotiating team is prepared is paramount to that success.”
