Workers at V2X Vertex Aerospace in Fort Worth, Texas, who provide maintenance services on military aircraft at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport (KAFW), have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union. The mail-in ballot election concluded on December 30, with employees choosing IAM representation by a significant margin. The group will now be represented by IAM District 776.
The organizing effort began several years ago but gained momentum in June 2025 when employees reached out to the union for assistance. Keith “Chub” McCrory, IAM Associate Organizer, commented on the workers’ persistence: “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 although discussions about organizing had taken place over many years at Alliance Field, progress accelerated after an employee contacted IAM directly. “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 an unexpected delay due to the 2025 federal government shutdown, which postponed the election. Despite this challenge, McCrory noted that workers remained committed: “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 working under IAM representation and played a role in encouraging colleagues and addressing anti-union messaging within the workplace. According to McCrory, while there was some internal opposition among workers, V2X did not launch a major anti-union campaign.
“In the end, people will see what a contract can do for them,” said McCrory.
This development is part of IAM’s broader strategy for growth in North Texas, where aerospace and defense service contract work is prevalent around Alliance Field. The IAM already represents V2X members at other sites and is recognized as the largest aerospace and defense union in the country.
“Planting the flag out there was the goal,” McCrory stated. “This is just the beginning, a new beginning in that area.”
McCrory credited fellow organizer Joey Barnes and support from IAM District 776 leadership—including President and Directing Business Representative Doyle Huddleston—for their roles in achieving this outcome.
“We wouldn’t be here without District 776’s help,” McCrory said.
