Kentucky Lockheed Martin Employees Join IAM

LEXINGTON, KY, October 10, 2023- Approximately 332 Lockheed Martin employees at Bluegrass Station near Lexington, KY., voted on Thursday, October 5, to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).  

This decision to join IAM comes at a crucial time for these employees, who recognize the importance of collective bargaining power in ensuring fair wages, benefits, and improved working conditions.

 The IAM has a proven track record of advocating for workers' rights, and this new addition of 332 members working at Bluegrass Station further strengthens the union's position in advancing the interests of working men and women across the nation. The new group was encouraged by a recent contract victory by 150 IAM Local 219 (District 1888) members with Tunista Logistics Solutions. The Tunista group’s three-year accord included 15% pay increases, a quadrupling of company pension contributions, health and welfare plan improvements, the elimination of a two-tier pay structure, and better vacation accrual.

 "We are excited to welcome the Lockheed Martin employees into the IAM," said IAM District 1888 Business Representative and Organizer Ryan McCarthy. "This decision demonstrates the unity and determination of the group to secure their future in the aerospace industry. By joining the IAM, they have taken a significant step towards ensuring fair wages, improved benefits, and a stronger voice in their workplace. The IAM proudly advocates for workers' rights and looks forward to representing this group.”

The decision by Lockheed Martin employees to join the IAM demonstrates the growing momentum of workers at the Bluegrass Station seeking to secure their future and ensure fair treatment working under the Service Contract Act (SCA).

"We welcome the newest IAM members at the Bluegrass Station working for Lockheed Martin," said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. "This decision reflects the IAM's commitment to strengthening the rights and livelihoods of workers across our territory. The IAM proudly represents these skilled workers vital to the company's operations. We look forward to working closely with our new members on a strong contract to build a more secure future for all."

IAM Local 219 members at the Bluegrass Station are critical to the base’s operations, including supporting the Special Forces.

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