IAM District 776 is preparing for upcoming contract negotiations with Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. The bargaining team recently completed a negotiation preparation course at the William W. Winpinsiger Education and Technology Center. The course, led by IAM Education Representative Richard Dees, focused on key skills such as drafting contract language, strategic planning, contract costing, communications, and negotiation simulations.
The current agreement between IAM District 776 and Lockheed Martin covers about 5,000 workers who are responsible for building the F-35 fighter aircraft. This agreement is set to expire at midnight on June 14, 2026. Negotiations for a new contract are scheduled to begin on March 16.
District 776 President and Directing Business Representative Doyle Huddleston commented on the importance of the preparation: “Prep week gives committee members the tools to face Lockheed and ensures success. 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.”
The union has emphasized that securing a strong contract not only supports national defense but also has economic implications by sustaining approximately 300,000 supply chain jobs across the country. Many of these positions are held by IAM members.
Reflecting on past experiences with similar courses, members of the negotiating team described previous prep sessions and ongoing support from IAM as essential for building confidence ahead of bargaining.
IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin said: “Negotiation preparation ensures that the committee has the necessary information to better equip their effort to raise the voices of our membership. This committee will be ready for successful negotiations.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant added: “This union commits every resource available at our disposal to support our membership at Lockheed. We reaffirm our commitment to the membership in securing an agreement they deserve. Ensuring their negotiating team is prepared is paramount to that success.”
