Workers at V2X Vertex Aerospace in Fort Worth, Texas, who maintain military aircraft at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport (KAFW), have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The decision was made through a mail-in ballot election that concluded on December 30. IAM District 776 will represent the newly organized group.
The organizing campaign intensified in June 2025 when employees reached out to IAM for assistance. Keith “Chub” McCrory, an Associate Organizer with IAM, stated, “This campaign really belongs to the workers. They stuck together through delays, through uncertainty, and they never lost sight of why they wanted a union.”
McCrory explained that while conversations about organizing had occurred over several years at Alliance Field, momentum increased after an employee contacted the union for guidance. “We met with a handful of them, dropped cards right away, and let them take ownership of the campaign,” he said. “It’s their contract. It’s their future.”
The process encountered a delay due to the federal government shutdown in 2025, which postponed the election. Despite this challenge, workers maintained unity. McCrory noted, “I honestly thought the shutdown might cool things off. But they hung in there. That’s what made this win so meaningful.”
Some employees had prior experience with IAM representation and helped build support among coworkers and address anti-union messages within the workplace. According to McCrory, there was no significant anti-union effort from company management; only a small internal opposition existed.
“In the end, people will see what a contract can do for them,” McCrory said.
IAM views this outcome as part of its broader strategy for growth in North Texas, where aerospace and defense service contract work is prevalent around Alliance Field. The union already represents V2X employees elsewhere and is recognized as the largest aerospace and defense union nationwide.
“Planting the flag out there was the goal,” said McCrory. “This is just the beginning, a new beginning in that area.”
The campaign was led by McCrory and fellow Associate Organizer Joey Barnes with support from IAM District 776 leadership and members over several years.
“We wouldn’t be here without District 776’s help,” McCrory added, highlighting strong backing from Doyle Huddleston, President and Directing Business Representative of District 776.
