The International Association of Machinists (IAM) Union announced on Mar. 17 the ratification of a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with Leidos, covering Flight Service workers based in Ashburn, Virginia, and Fort Worth, Texas. The agreement includes wage increases, a ratification bonus, improved workplace protections, and enhanced benefits for union members represented by IAM Locals 2010 and 2011.
Flight Service workers provide essential services to private pilots and commuters before and during flights. Their responsibilities include offering briefings on weather conditions and aeronautical hazards tailored to each route, filing flight plans for search and rescue protection or border crossing requirements, and managing air traffic control clearances.
The IAM bargaining committee fully recommended the agreement for ratification. Chief Steward Clay Dawson of the DCA Hub in Ashburn said, “This agreement reflects the voices and priorities of our members. By listening to our members and negotiating collectively, we were able to secure stronger wages, improved benefits, and protections that help guarantee job security for the next three years.”
Key provisions of the contract include a $2,000 ratification bonus paid upon approval; structured annual wage increases through 2028; increased Sunday shift premiums to 15 percent; DLS premium raised to 7 percent; equity wage adjustments at the Ashburn location; an increase in retirement contributions to six percent; an additional floating holiday; and expanded flexibility for authorized non-pay usage.
Denise Heath, Chief Spokesperson and Special Assistant to the International President, said: “It was truly an honor to represent this membership at the negotiating table. This committee made sure the voice of the membership was heard, and what they achieved reflects the strength of two Flight Service locals working together for all their members. Our strength has always been, and will always be, our unity.” IAM Aerospace Coordinator Bobby Barnwell added his thanks to the negotiating committee for their dedication over recent months.
A major focus during negotiations was protecting jobs from reductions tied to performance metrics. The agreement modifies call-handling metrics governing preflight briefings so they are more realistic. David Villa, President of IAM Local 2011 said: “This adjustment prevents management from using overly aggressive performance metrics as a justification to reduce staffing. It ensures our members can provide quality service while maintaining stable employment.”
Villa also highlighted that close collaboration between Locals 2010 in Ashburn and 2011 in Fort Worth helped address both shared concerns and issues specific to each location. “This contract was built on solidarity,” Villa said. “Our locals worked side by side to make sure the final agreement protects benefits, secures future raises, and strengthens the foundation for our members’ careers.”
