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Approximately 70 civilian aircraft mechanics employed by Strategic Technology Institute, Inc. (STI) at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, N.C., have joined the IAM Union through voluntary recognition.
A strong majority of the workers supported joining the IAM, leading STI to sign a voluntary recognition agreement recognizing the IAM as their exclusive collective bargaining representative.
The aircraft mechanics joined together to improve their working conditions and secure the protections, benefits, and voice that come with a strong union contract.
“This victory belongs to the STI aircraft mechanics who stood together and made it clear that they wanted a voice on the job,” said IAM Western Territory Assistant Organizing Coordinator Joe Solis. “We are proud to welcome them into the IAM family.”
STI provides mission-critical engineering, logistics, maintenance, cybersecurity and technical support services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies.
“Voluntary recognition gives workers a direct path to securing union representation when a clear majority has chosen to stand together,” said IAM Organizing Director Mike Evans. “Our team is ready to support them as they move toward negotiating a strong first agreement.”
The organizing victory continues the IAM’s long-standing commitment to representing highly skilled workers who support the nation’s military readiness and national security at installations across the United States.
“Organizing is about listening to workers, understanding the issues they face and helping them build the collective power to make lasting improvements,” said IAM Assistant Organizing Director Juan Eldridge. “The STI aircraft mechanics stayed focused and united, and now they will have a seat at the table to negotiate over their wages, benefits, and working conditions.”
Solis, who led the organizing effort, will also serve as the IAM’s lead representative during negotiations for the mechanics’ first collective bargaining agreement with STI. The Organizing Department’s continued involvement will provide consistency as the workers move from organizing their workplace to establishing their priorities and securing their first union contract.
