Quick links+
Workers of V2X Vertex Aerospace in Fort Worth,Texas, who provide defense maintenance services on military aircraft at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport (KAFW) under service contract work have voted to join IAM Union, marking a significant organizing win in a fast-growing region of North Texas.
In a mail-in ballot election concluded on Dec. 30, KAFW V2X employees voted overwhelmingly in favor of IAM representation. The newly organized group will be represented by IAM District 776.
The victory follows years of groundwork and a focused organizing push that gained momentum in June 2025 when employees reached out to the IAM for help.
“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 explained that while organizing conversations at Alliance Field had taken place over many years, the campaign accelerated when an employee contacted the IAM and asked how to get started.
“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 organizing drive faced an unexpected hurdle when the 2025 federal government shutdown delayed the election process. Despite concerns that the delay might stall momentum, workers remained united.
“I honestly thought the shutdown might cool things off,” McCrory said. “But they hung in there. That’s what made this win so meaningful.”
A few employees had previously worked under IAM representation, and those prior union members helped promote the union, build confidence among workers, and counter anti-union misinformation. According to McCrory, the company did not mount a major anti-union campaign, though a small number of internal opposition attempted to sow doubt.
“In the end, people will see what a contract can do for them,” said McCrory.
The win is especially important for the IAM’s long-term growth strategy in the region. Alliance Field and the surrounding area are heavy with service contract work in aerospace and defense. The IAM already represents V2X members in other locations, and is the largest aerospace and defense union in the nation.
“Planting the flag out there was the goal,” McCrory said. “This is just the beginning, a new beginning in that area.”
McCrory and fellow Organizing Department Associate Organizer Joey Barnes led the campaign with the help of IAM District 776, including District leadership and members who supported the effort over the years.
“We wouldn’t be here without District 776’s help,” McCrory said, pointing out immense support from IAM District 776 President and Directing Business Representative Doyle Huddleston.
“This victory is about more than one election—it’s about building an IAM presence in a region with huge potential for our growth,” said IAM Assistant Organizing Director Juan Eldridge. “Organizing in the South is a game of persistence and proof. With right-to-work labor laws in place, we’re never not having to prove what a union contract can accomplish. We’re proud to welcome these V2X employees into IAM District 776 and look forward to helping them secure a strong first contract.”
