District Lodge 776 Machinists ratified a three-year agreement with Lockheed-Martin Sunday, April 9, in Fort Worth Texas. The new agreement covers about 3700 Machinists working on the F-16, F-22 and F-35 programs.
Highlights of the agreement include raises of four percent the first year, and three percent in each of the following years, a $2,000 signing bonus, and a ten-dollar bump on pension, bringing the pension up to $68 per month per year of service. The contract also holds a strong line against health care costs, with only a minor rise in employee health care costs.
The contract was ratified with an 82.5% “yes” vote. “We had a great Negotiating Committee, and the District 776 staff, led by DBR Pat Lane, did a fantastic job,” said Aerospace Coordinator John Crowdis. “The support from the southern territory and GLR Terry Smith and Communications Rep Bob Wood helped pull it all together. But we all owe it to the members, who let Lockheed know on the shop floor they demanded an industry-leading contract.”
Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez said “Strong unions make for strong contracts, and the strength of the members at Lockheed won the day. Congratulations to everyone for a great contract for the members of DL 776!”
