Union Seeks Better Benefits And Pay Amid Production Pressure

The union representing around 5,000 workers building the F-35 at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas, plant has opened contract negotiations with the company. The workers, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 776, are seeking higher employer 401(k) contributions, limits on rising healthcare costs, and a faster wage progression for newer employees. The current contract expires at midnight on June 14, 2026, creating a firm deadline for the two sides to reach a new agreement. Any disruption in production could have consequences for the global F-35 program, with the site being the central assembly point for all three F-35 variants. According to AeroTime, the negotiations come as political backing for the F-35 remains strong in Washington, with 126 bipartisan members of Congress signing a letter supporting robust funding for the aircraft in fiscal year 2027.