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6d ago

F-35 Assembly Workers Open Contract Talks With Lockheed

Any stoppage at Fort Worth could slow F-35 deliveries worldwide.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II lights its afterburner and climbs during the Luke Days 2026 airshow, Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II demonstration showcases the maneuverability and advanced technology of a fifth-generation fighter. Demonstrations like this reflect the cutting-edge capabilities that allow the joint force to maintain air superiority in modern combat operations. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. Hampton Stramler)
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II takes off for exercise Cold Response at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom [Credit: U.S. Air Force, Airman 1st Class Sierra Casteel]
District 776 bargaining committee and leadership. Photo: IAM District 776

Overview

  • The union representing about 5,000 F-35 assemblers opened bargaining Thursday, with the current contract set to expire June 14.
  • District 776 set three priorities for a new deal: higher employer 401(k) contributions, limits on rising healthcare costs, and faster wage steps for newer workers.
  • Fort Worth builds all three F-35 variants, so a strike or prolonged halt there could delay deliveries to U.S. and international customers.
  • The program’s industrial footprint is vast, with IAM citing roughly 250,000 jobs supported by nearly 2,000 suppliers across 48 states and Puerto Rico.
  • Political backing remains strong, as 126 bipartisan members of Congress endorsed robust F-35 funding for fiscal year 2027.