Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 2771 at M1 Support Services in Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas, ratified a new four-year contract on Mar. 31. The agreement covers approximately 550 workers and includes pay increases totaling more than 22%.
The IAM Local 2771 members support the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Program (ENJJPT), which is recognized as the only multinationally manned and managed flying training program dedicated to producing combat pilots for NATO. Each year, about 200 pilots and 55 instructor pilots graduate from its intensive program.
“Our members wanted to keep up with the affordability crisis, and keep the contract language gains they have won over the years,” said IAM District 776 Chief of Staff Cory Bennett. “Our negotiating committee delivered for the members and we improved the contract language in key spots. That led to the strong ratification vote.” The new agreement also locks in employee and family healthcare contributions, strengthens scope of work provisions, and clarifies that IAM members will be paid if management cancels overtime shifts after employees have been notified.
IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin said: “They deserve this strong contract that reflects the value of the work they do. Solidarity like this brings our members the job security needed for four more years of stability on this contract.”
Members covered by this agreement perform flight operations and maintenance on T-6 Texan and T-38 Talon aircraft, supporting a mission critical to both U.S. Air Force’s 82nd Training Wing and allied NATO countries.
