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OKLAHOMA CITY, Aug. 21, 2025 — Approximately 317 members of IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Local 850 (District 171) in Oklahoma City, Okla., have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC).
The contract, covering 317 full-time, part-time, and casual Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Instructors at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) in Oklahoma City, was approved overwhelmingly on Aug. 19.
“This agreement is a major step forward for our members who dedicate themselves to training the next generation of air traffic controllers,” said IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “We still have some work to do to help us recruit and retain instructors while improving quality of life for a workforce that has carried a heavy load to meet the mission.”
Key highlights of the new contract include:
The IAM Union negotiating committee stressed the importance of attracting new instructors and improving work-life balance for a workforce that is stretched thin. Many members regularly perform double shifts and 17-hour workdays to meet the demands of the FAA training mission.
“Our members take tremendous pride in their work and in the critical role they play in our nation’s aviation safety,” said Ben Moody, IAM Union District 171 President and Directing Business Representative. “This contract recognizes that sacrifice and lays the foundation to ensure the FAA has the skilled instructors it needs for years to come.”
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.
