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Helicopter mechanics and supply technicians employed by Amentum at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Fla., have voted to join IAM Union, marking a significant organizing victory and the first IAM-represented group at the base.
On Dec. 30, the mail-in ballot election resulted in favor of IAM representation by a two-to-one margin. The newly organized union members provide critical maintenance and supply support for military helicopter operations at the naval installation.
“This was a campaign that required patience, education, and a strong core group of workers,” said IAM Assistant Organizing Coordinator Joe Solis. “The employees stayed engaged and committed, even when delays tested everyone’s resolve.”
The organizing effort began when the IAM reached out to workers through established networks, followed by direct conversations, meetings, and education about the benefits of union representation. Shortly after the petition for representation was filed, the 2025 federal government shutdown put a pause on taking the election to vote.
“That delay made things more challenging,” said Solis. “But the workers stayed united and were excited just to finally see the process move forward.”
Amentum hired approximately 30 additional employees during the campaign and despite the government shutdown delaying the union election, organizers remained confident in the strength of the core organizing committee.
This win is momentous because it establishes an IAM Union presence at Naval Station Mayport for the first time.
“When you’re the first union on a military installation, it’s harder,” Solis explained. “You have to build trust from the ground up and spend a lot of time educating workers about what the union does and how it benefits them.”
Organizers emphasized the IAM’s deep experience representing Service Contract Act (SCA) workers across the country, particularly in defense, aerospace, and aviation-related industries.
“We explained that IAM Union are the experts in the service contract industry,” said Solis. “We’ve delivered strong contracts for thousands of workers doing this kind of work across the country.”
Preparations are now underway to begin bargaining a first contract. Negotiations are expected to start in the coming weeks and months.
“This win shows what’s possible when workers stay engaged and the Organizing Department works closely with the territories and districts,” said Solis. “That partnership is critical, especially during challenges like a government shutdown.”
“This is not our first victory at Amentum, but it is our first at Naval Station Mayport ,and it adds to our growing IAM organizing momentum across the South,” said IAM Assistant Organizing Director Juan Eldridge. “We are using all of our resources, contacts, and experience to expand representation on military installations and service contract workplaces nationwide.”
