The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 776, representing about 5,000 workers at Lockheed Martins Fort Worth, Texas plant, began contract negotiations with the company on March 26, 2026. The Fort Worth facility serves as the primary final assembly site for all three F-35 variants, including the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C, along with smaller groups at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland and Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The unions bargaining committee, supported by IAM International President Brian Bryant and executive council members, seeks higher employer 401(k) contributions, limits on rising healthcare costs, and faster wage progression for newer employees. Negotiators completed a preparation course in January covering contract language, strategic planning, cost analysis, communications, and exercises, and held town halls to gather member input.
The current contract expires at midnight on June 14, 2026. Any disruption at the site could impact delivery schedules for U.S. and international customers amid ongoing production and modernization challenges. The F-35 program supports over 250,000 jobs through nearly 2,000 suppliers across 48 states and Puerto Rico. Political support remains firm, with 126 bipartisan members of Congress signing a letter for robust fiscal year 2027 funding.