The IAM joined U.S. Reps. Marc Veasey (D-Texas), Michael Turner (R-Ohio), John Larson (D-Conn.), and John Rutherford (R-Fla.) in a letter urging chairs and ranking members of the House Armed Services Committee and House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to fully invest in the IAM-built F-35 Lightning II program for Fiscal Year (FY) 25.

“The F-35 is the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, and continued investment in this program is essential to our national security and ensuring the United States maintains its air dominance,” wrote the lawmakers. “In addition, the F-35 provides for tens of thousands of high-skilled, Machinists Union jobs and supports more than 218,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide.” 

“I appreciate Reps. Veasey, Turner, Larson, and Rutherford for fighting for investment in the F-35 program,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “The IAM will work with these lawmakers and other allies in Congress to uplift the national security and economic benefits of the F-35 program.”

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IAM International President Brian Bryant has announced the appointments of Denise Heath, Shannon Stucker, William Sullivan, and Gary E. Allen, as Aerospace Coordinators. 

“These appointments to the Aerospace Department will put the department on solid footing for years to come,” said Bryant. “With these additions to the Aerospace Department, the IAM will continue to lead the way in the aerospace industry, while making sure our members have the industry-leading contracts their families deserve.”

The team will join Tony Wirth, who assumed the position of Aerospace Chief of Staff on Jan. 1, 2024, and Aerospace Coordinator Robert Barnwell.

Denise Heath
Heath, an Arizona native, began her IAM journey as a charter member of IAM Local 2009, which later merged with IAM Local 519, while working as an air traffic controller for Lockheed Martin. Throughout her tenure, Heath held various positions within her local, from Shop Steward and Recording/Secretary to Vice President, showcasing her commitment to her fellow members, and her appointment as an IAM Business Representative in 2019. In 2021, she was elected IAM Local 519 President/Directing Business Representative. Health was appointed as an Aerospace Department Special Representative last year.

Shannon Stucker
Stucker began his career in the IAM in May 1993, as a machinist with Hub City, Inc. in Aberdeen, S.D. Throughout his 17 year tenure at Hub City, Stucker operated various machine centers such as manual, NC, and CNC lathes and mills.

In 2010, after serving in a number of elected positions, Stucker was elected by the Delegates of District Lodge 5 to serve as Directing Business Representative. Stucker was then again re-elected Directing Business Representative in 2011 and served in that capacity until June 30, 2015.

In 2015, Stucker was appointed Special Representative with the Midwest Territory. In 2018, he became a Grand Lodge Representative and served in that role until his appointment as Aerospace Coordinator.

William Sullivan
Sullivan initiated into the IAM Local 2452 in 1997 as a Maintenance Technician. He served his Local Lodge as Shop Steward, Grievance Committee, Negotiating Committee, Vice President and eventually President.
 
He was appointed as a Business Representative for District 73 in 2009 and elected to the position of Directing Business Representative in 2012 until being appointed to Grand Lodge Representative in the Southern Territory in 2020.
 
He also served as a Representative of the Local Metal Trades Council in Mississippi as well as Southern States Conference of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Vice President from 2017 to 2018 and President from 2018 to 2020.
 
Gary E. Allen
In September 2018, Allen was appointed IAM Associate Organizer and in January 2019 he was appointed as the Communication Representative for the Western Territory. Later in 2019, he was appointed as a Grand Lodge Representative. During his time with the IAM, Allen has been involved in some of the toughest Territory assignments involving Aerospace and Service Contract Act, amongst other sectors and industries. While on assignment, Allen’s commitment to the membership along with his tenacity in defending the rights of our members has made a remarkable impact on the IAM.

Previously, Allen started his union career in 2006 representing the public sector in Albuquerque, N.M. In Allen’s prior roles in New Mexico, he served in every capacity from Steward to Representative where he serviced, organized and handled arbitrations.

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IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has announced that Aerospace Coordinator Tony Wirth will assume the position of Aerospace Chief of Staff, effective Jan. 1, 2024.

Wirth joined the IAM in 2003 as a member of Niceville, Fla., Local 20, at Eglin Air Force Base. He served as the local’s Secretary-Treasurer and on its Negotiation Committee from 2003 to 2008. Wirth was elected District 75 Business Representative in 2008, became a Special Representative in 2015 and a Grand Lodge Representative to the Southern Territory in 2016. Wirth has served as an Aerospace Coordinator since January 2020.

“Tony has been a constant figure at the negotiating table for thousands of IAM members at the world’s largest and most powerful aerospace and defense companies,” said Martinez. “He works tirelessly on behalf of our membership, and Tony’s experience, strategic thinking and industry relationships are going to continue to achieve the best contracts possible for our proud aerospace membership.”

Wirth takes the position of Aerospace Chief of Staff as Jody Bennett joins the IAM Executive Council as Resident General Vice President on Jan. 1, 2024.

“With Tony leading the way, the IAM is going to continue to chart the future of the aerospace industry and its workforce,” said Bennett. “Working side by side with Tony and the aerospace team for years has shown me that we are better positioned than ever to represent our membership and grow our presence in this critical sector.”

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IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has announced, effective Oct. 1, the appointment of IAM Local 519 President and Directing Business Representative Denise Heath to the position of IAM Aerospace Department Special Representative.

“Denise’s appointment as a Special Representative for the  Aerospace Department is a testament to her unwavering commitment, expertise and dedication to our aerospace members in Arizona and Southern Nevada,” said Martinez. “Her wealth of experience within IAM and her strong educational background make her exceptionally qualified for this role. Her IAM career reflects her organizational skills and deep knowledge of the aerospace industry. We anticipate her continued contributions to IAM and securing a brighter future for our members in the aerospace industry. With over a decade of dedicated service within IAM, Denise’s experience and leadership have earned her this significant role.”

Heath, an Arizona native, began her IAM journey as a charter member of IAM Local 2009, which later merged with IAM Local 519 while working as an Air Traffic Controller for Lockheed Martin. Throughout her tenure, Heath held various positions within her local, from Shop Steward and Recording/Secretary to Vice President, showcasing her commitment to her fellow members, and her appointment as an IAM Business Representative in 2019. In 2021, she was elected IAM Local 519 President/Directing Business Representative. 

As President/Directing Business Representative for Local 519 since 2021, Heath managed over 80 contracts across four locals in Arizona and southern Nevada. She also served as Secretary-Treasurer for the Arizona State Council of Machinists and was a 2022 Grand Lodge Appeals and Grievance Committee member. Heath is currently a mentor in the IAM’s Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS) program, nurturing the next generation of labor leaders. 

Denise holds a bachelor’s degree from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University and an MBA from Colorado Technical Institute.

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Approximately 500 members of IAM Local 912 in Cincinnati, OH voted Tuesday to accept a new contract from General Electric. IAM members work in General Electric’s aerospace division.

The new 26-month deal keeps the defined benefit pension plan, improves the retirement savings plan, and holds the line for the cost of health care, including medical, dental and vision. The agreement provides general wage increases of 5.7 % in July of 2023 and 7.0 % in July 2024.

The bargaining committee also negotiated job security with a minimum workforce guarantee requiring GE to maintain employment at current levels for the life of the agreement. Other improvements include personal protection equipment allowances increased, expanded bereavement leave, and recall rights.

“I congratulate our membership of IAM Local 912. Their solidarity made these contract improvements possible,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “These negotiations were not easy, but the bargaining committee stood strong, did not back down and fought for a fair deal.”

“These negotiations were coordinated with our sisters and brothers from the UAW,” said IAM Director of Collective Bargaining Craig Norman and lead negotiator for the IAM. “Our unions worked together utilizing the IAM’s W3 Education Center for negotiation preparation training and the support provided from our Strategic Resources Department.  Special thank you to all the representatives involved.”

“My thanks go out to the Negotiating Committee,” said IAM District 34 Directing Business Representative Scott Rich. “They brought back an agreement worthy of the hard work and dedication of our members, and the proof is in the results.”

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Approximately 2,500 members of IAM District 837 opened contract negotiations on July 6, 2022, with Boeing Defense. IAM members are spread throughout Boeing facilities in St. Charles, MO, St. Louis, and Mascoutah, IL.

These highly skilled members fabricate, assemble and build some of the world’s most advanced military and passenger aircraft and missiles.

The negotiating team will be discussing wages, healthcare, retirement, job, and income security. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these workers were declared essential and did their part to protect this country.

“Our goal is to emerge from these talks with a contract that is both fair and equitable,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “Our members were declared essential early on and expected to show up to work each day and they did. They were considered essential so we expect to see some essential treatment reflected in this contract.”

A priority for this group will being strengthening the 401(k) and eliminating a two-tier wage system.

“The inequities created by the two-tier wage system is not a real investment in Boeing workers,” said Galloway. “It is a de-valuing of American industrial jobs.”

“We need a lot more than what the company is giving right now to secure retirement,” said IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin. “A strong 401(k) contribution by the company will help secure workers for decades, creating a long-standing and stable workforce.”

“I am proud of the hard work from the negotiating team leading up to these negotiations and confident we will bring a strong contract home to the membership,” said Tom Boelling, District 837 President and Directing Business Representative.

Negotiations are expected to run from July 6-15, 2022. A vote is scheduled for Sunday, July 24, 2022, the day the current contract is set to expire.

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WASHINGTON, June 1, 2022 – U.S. Reps. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) are asking GKN Aerospace CEO David Paja and GKN President of Defense Shawn Black for answers and requesting their support and assistance in saving approximately 1,000 family-sustaining jobs at GKN Aerospace in Hazelwood, Mo.

“The recent announcement that the facility would close next year came as a surprise for our local community, particularly given the risk of losing hundreds of good-paying jobs in the process,” write Reps. Bush and Cleaver in a letter to GKN leadership. “Given the impact, this would have on families and our economy, our top priority is to see what can be done to keep these jobs in St. Louis.” 

Click here to read the letter.

GKN Aerospace recently announced plans to completely shut down this facility by the end of 2023, with layoffs commencing in mid-2022. Workers at the facility, many of whom are U.S. military veterans, have devoted their lives to proudly producing world-class aerospace components.

IAM Local 387 (District 837) members currently produce aircraft parts for a wide variety of U.S. Defense Department platforms, including the F-15, F-18A, CH-53, and Advanced Programs. The facility was previously owned by Boeing Co. but was purchased by GKN in 2001. In 2018, GKN was purchased by the British parent company Melrose Industries.

“The IAM will provide the necessary resources to make sure all workers at this GKN facility in Hazelwood receive information from the company,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Our members have worked years to make this company a major supplier in the aerospace industry. The IAM will work to educate our elected officials on Capitol Hill on the importance of keeping this facility open and maintaining this highly skilled workforce.”

“The IAM appreciates Reps. Bush and Cleaver for standing up for our members at GKN,” said IAM Midwest General Vice President Steve Galloway. “We are trying to find the answers to keep this facility open, especially since it plays a huge role in keeping our nation safe. IAM District 837 is fully engaged with the entire Missouri Congressional Delegation and will continue to have discussions with state and local elected officials. Our union will fight to ensure IAM members can continue their careers at GKN Aerospace.”

“IAM District 837 is grateful that Reps. Bush and Cleaver are requesting information that our members, other families of Hazelwood, and the surrounding communities need to make major decisions for their future,” said IAM District 837 President and Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “We hope that we can keep this plant open and continue to keep our nation safe.”

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has reached out to other Missouri politicians to ask for their support and assistance in saving approximately 1,000 family-sustaining jobs at GKN Aerospace in Hazelwood, Mo.

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IAM District 776 in Fort Worth, TX recently held the fifth annual General Vice President Mark Blondin’s Path to Freedom Car show, which raised almost $27,000 for Guide Dogs of America / Tender Loving Canines (GDA/TLC).

“Thanks to GVP Blondin for always supporting us, Gary Kennermer for running a great Texas Hold’em card game, and Mark Miller and his BBQ cookers, Machelle Lopez and Johnnie Shugg, who put on a great and filling BBQ competition,” said Chub McCrory, IAM District 776 Organizer. “The Sweet Dreams Car Club provided some real nice-looking cars for the car show, and the motorcycle run was a highlight. I would also like to thank everyone who showed up, participated, and donated, with a special thanks to the vendors, the VFW 5616, United Way, the White Settlement Police Department, and JC Parker from the IBEW. See you next year.” 

“The team at District 776 really outdid themselves this year by creating such a unique, fun event, which provided an opportunity to contribute to this great charity,” said IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin. “A special thank you to Chub, Gary Kennermer and Anna Richey for an outstanding job. The Aerospace Department is always honored and readily available to help support the Guide Dogs of America and Tender Loving Canines.”

Guide Dogs of America is the IAM’s favorite charity. In 2020, GDA completed a merger with Tender Loving Canines and now provides hardworking service dogs for people who are blind/ visually impaired, veterans, and individuals with autism, and facilities to become trusted companions that bring confidence, independence, and mobility. Their services are provided free of charge to residents in the U.S. and Canada.

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FORT WORTH, Texas, April 24, 2022 – Approximately 5,000 members of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 776 in Fort Worth, Texas on Sunday voted to ratify a new contract with Lockheed Martin. The four-year, two-month contract takes effect Monday, April 25.

IAM members at the Fort Worth facility build the F-35, the world’s most advanced multi-role fighter. The IAM has long championed continued support for the F-35 program.

The new contract includes:
– 16% effective general wage increase over the life of the contract
– Additional cost-of-living adjustments and a $1,000 yearly cost-of-living supplement
– Improvements to retirement plan and maintains strong healthcare plan
– $4,000 ratification bonus
– Improvements in field pay, annual progression raises, shift premiums and more.

The IAM District 776 negotiating committee unanimously recommended the proposal. Contract negotiations had been ongoing since February. The contract also covers IAM members at Edwards Air Force Base, CA, and Patuxent River, MD.

“We have once again proven why the IAM is the largest and strongest aerospace and defense labor union in the world,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr., who began his IAM career as an aircraft assembler at the Fort Worth facility. “Our members stood strong and demanded a strong contract every step of the way. I want to thank the District 776 leadership and negotiating committee, the IAM Aerospace Department, the IAM Southern Territory and every department at the IAM Grand Lodge who supported these important negotiations.”

Negotiations were pivotal not only for IAM District 776 families, but for the Dallas-Fort Worth community, the state of Texas and the aerospace industry. The F-35 supply chain supports over 254,000 jobs with 1,800 suppliers spanning 48 states and Puerto Rico.

“We demanded an equitable contract that fairly compensated the best aerospace and defense workers in the world—and today, we succeeded,” said IAM District 776 President and Directing Business Representative Paul Black. “The solidarity and strength of our membership and negotiating committee carried us through this process.”

The IAM District 776 negotiating committee prepared for contract talks for more than six months, including a preparation session at the IAM’s Winpisinger Education and Technology Center, which included trainings on contract language, strategic planning, contract costing and a negotiation simulation.

“Our negotiating team made it clear that retirement security, and increasing 401(k) plan funding, was critical to ratifying a contract,” said IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin. “I’m proud to report that we have delivered on retirement security and much more for our membership.”

READ: Machinists Union advocacy grows bipartisan support for F-35 program goIAM

“IAM District 776 members are rightfully proud of the work they do to support our military,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “Thanks to the strength of this negotiating committee and the membership, we have secured a fair and equitable contract that will secure the futures of our members and their families.”

READ: Here’s why Lockheed’s F-35 program remains vital to U.S. security, Fort Worth economy Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“I could not be more proud of the work done by this negotiating committee,” said IAM Aerospace Chief of Staff Jody Bennett. “We used every resource necessary to achieve our goal—a contract that delivers pay and benefit increases for our membership.”

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of the largest and most diverse industrial trade unions in North America, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, manufacturing, transit, healthcare, automotive and other industries.

goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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After rigorous preparation by the negotiating committee which represents nearly 700 IAM members working at three separate United Launch Alliance (ULA) locations across the USA, this week marked the beginning of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.

“We want to build and launch rockets, that’s what we are here to do. And no one can do it as well as the group of ULA machinists who have spent decades of their careers honing their skills and expertise,” said IAM Aerospace Coordinator Tony Wirth. ”Our team is the best of the best, helping ULA maintain a 100% mission success rate for launches. We are ready to partner with this company to bring to fruition a strong contract which will benefit both sides.”

“We build and launch the best rockets in the industry and that’s because of the dedicated men and women who have spent their careers making sure ULA remains a leader in the aerospace industry,” said IAM District 166 Assistant Directing Business Representative Kevin DiMeco. “I am so proud of this negotiating team and how prepared they are to bring home the best IAM contract for the members they represent.”

The current agreement covers Machinists Union members from IAM Local 610 in Cape Canaveral, FL, Local 44 in Decatur, AL, and Local 2786 at Vandenburg AFB in California, with the current contract set to expire on May 1, 2022. ULA Machinists are the hardworking men and women who make sure this country’s launch capability remains second to none by not only manufacturing but helping to launch rockets such as the Atlas 5, working with NASA, DoD, and a number of other federal agencies.

“These members put their lives, and the lives of their families, on the line during the COVID-19 pandemic by coming to work every day and making sure ULA remained an aerospace leader even in the most tumultuous of times,” said IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin. “They deserve a contract that compensates them for all they have given to this company. We are ready, willing, and able to bring home a strong, IAM contract with wages, benefits, and working conditions that mirror the success this company has enjoyed because of our member’s hard work and expertise on shop floors across the country.”

“I am very proud of our members who launch the most technically advanced rockets that keep us safe and make our lives better,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Our members’ world-class work deserves a world-class, top-notch contract.”

“For more than half a century, the members of the Machinists Union have left their fingerprints on every aspect of the space program. We are very proud of that,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “We enter into this negotiation knowing the path for success our members have already carved and how the IAM will continue to set the trajectory for the future of space exploration and for ULA. We will do whatever it takes to bring home the best, possible contract for our members who deserve nothing less.”

With the country and the industry watching, the IAM/ULA negotiations are set to last for about two weeks. Priorities for IAM members in this contract will be to maintain health care costs, job protections, secure retirements and make sure our contracts are the preeminent standard in the aerospace industry.

For daily updates from the bargaining table, you can log onto www.iamulanow.com.

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