Workers employed by V2X Vertex Aerospace in Fort Worth, Texas, have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union. These employees provide maintenance services for military aircraft at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport (KAFW) under a service contract.
The mail-in ballot election concluded on December 30, with KAFW V2X workers voting in favor of IAM representation. The group will now be represented by IAM District 776.
IAM Associate Organizer Keith “Chub” McCrory stated, “This campaign really belongs to the workers. They stuck together through delays, through uncertainty, and they never lost sight of why they wanted a union.”
Organizing efforts had been ongoing for years at Alliance Field but gained momentum in June 2025 when an employee contacted the IAM seeking guidance. McCrory explained, “We met with a handful of them, dropped cards right away, and let them take ownership of the campaign. It’s their contract. It’s their future.”
The process encountered a setback when the 2025 federal government shutdown delayed the election process. Despite concerns that this delay might affect participation or enthusiasm among workers, support remained strong. “I honestly thought the shutdown might cool things off,” McCrory said. “But they hung in there. That’s what made this win so meaningful.”
Some employees who had prior experience with IAM membership played a role in encouraging colleagues and addressing anti-union messages from internal opposition groups within the company. According to McCrory, there was no significant anti-union campaign from management.
“In the end, people will see what a contract can do for them,” McCrory added.
The success is viewed as important for IAM’s long-term plans in North Texas, where many aerospace and defense contracts are concentrated around Alliance Field. The IAM already represents V2X members elsewhere and remains one of the largest unions representing aerospace and defense workers nationally.
“Planting the flag out there was the goal,” said McCrory. “This is just the beginning, a new beginning in that area.”
McCrory led organizing efforts along with Joey Barnes from IAM’s Organizing Department and received assistance from District 776 leadership and members over several years.
“We wouldn’t be here without District 776’s help,” McCrory said while highlighting support from Doyle Huddleston, President and Directing Business Representative of District 776.
