Quick links+
IAM District 776’s bargaining team recently took part in a negotiation prep course offered by the William W. Winpinsiger Education and Technology Center. The course, led by IAM Education Representative Richard Dees, provides the necessary tools for the upcoming negotiations and is scheduled to open on March 16. This agreement covers about 5,000 Lockheed Martin workers in Fort Worth, Texas who build the F-35 fighter. The current agreement ends at midnight on June 14, 2026.
Read: IAM Union Urges Congressional Support for F-35 Program
As part of IAM leadership’s commitment to stronger in-field preparation, District 776 is holding courses at its office. This crucial course covers drafting contract language, strategic planning, contract costing, communications, and negotiation simulation.
“Prep week gives committee members the tools to face Lockheed and ensures success,” said IAM District 776 President and Directing Business Representative Doyle Huddleston. “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.”
Securing a strong contract supports national defense. It also boosts the economy by supporting about 300,000 supply chain jobs nationwide. Many of these jobs are held by IAM members.
The negotiating team called previous prep courses and IAM support critical for building the committee’s confidence entering bargaining.
“Negotiation preparation ensures that the committee has the necessary information to better equip their effort to raise the voices of our membership,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “This committee will be ready for successful negotiations.
“This union commits every resource available at our disposal to support our membership at Lockheed,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We reaffirm our commitment to the membership in securing an agreement they deserve. Ensuring their negotiating team is prepared is paramount to that success.”
