Workers at V2X Vertex Aerospace in Fort Worth, Texas, who perform maintenance on military aircraft at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union. The decision was made through a mail-in ballot election that concluded on December 30. The group will be represented by IAM District 776.
The organizing effort gained momentum in June 2025 after employees contacted the IAM for assistance. According to IAM Associate Organizer Keith “Chub” McCrory, “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 said that while discussions about unionizing had occurred over several years, progress accelerated when an employee reached out directly. “We met with a handful of them, dropped cards right away, and let them take ownership of the campaign,” McCrory stated. “It’s their contract. It’s their future.”
The process faced delays due to the 2025 federal government shutdown but workers maintained their commitment throughout the period. “I honestly thought the shutdown might cool things off,” McCrory said. “But they hung in there. That’s what made this win so meaningful.”
Some employees had previous experience with IAM representation and played a role in building support among colleagues and addressing anti-union messaging from within the workforce. McCrory noted that V2X did not launch a significant anti-union campaign.
“In the end, people will see what a contract can do for them,” McCrory added.
The outcome is seen as important for IAM’s broader growth strategy in North Texas, an area with significant aerospace and defense service contract work. The IAM already represents V2X members elsewhere and is recognized as one of the largest unions in this sector nationally.
“Planting the flag out there was the goal,” said McCrory. “This is just the beginning, a new beginning in that area.”
McCrory credited Organizing Department Associate Organizer Joey Barnes and support from IAM District 776 leadership—particularly President and Directing Business Representative Doyle Huddleston—for contributing to the campaign’s success.
“We wouldn’t be here without District 776’s help,” McCrory said.
