This week, the negotiation committee representing over 600 IAM Union members working at three separate United Launch Alliance (ULA) sites opened negotiations in Huntsville, Ala.
United Launch Alliance engineers, manufactures, launches, and supports various space exploration vehicles, including the current Atlas and Delta rockets. Since 2006, IAM Union members have helped successfully launch over 150 missions.
“This negotiation team has been preparing for this negotiation since last year, and the entire IAM is behind our members at ULA,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “From all the departments at Headquarters to the resources at the William W. Winpisinger Education Center for bargaining preparation class, the mission is clear – bring home a fair and equitable contract.”
Since 2008, Local 44 (District 75) in Decatur, Ala., Local 610 (District 166) in Cape Canaveral, Fla., and Local 2786 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., have operated under a single agreement as a strategic benefit between the three facilities.
A single agreement provides the IAM membership the advantage of strengthened bargaining power at the table.
“Our members are the foundation of the aerospace and defense industries, and there’s no question they are the best in the business,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “Their skill, dedication, and commitment to excellence drive innovation and ensure the safety and security of our nation. We will fight for a respectable agreement that aligns with the caliber of their craft.”
This week also saw the completion of critical certifications for ULA to remain competitive, further solidifying the commitment by IAM Members to ensure that ULA remains a substantial, formidable space and defense company in the future.
“Our members at ULA are not looking for takeaways; they have committed to securing the company’s future success and only ask for an agreement commensurate to that success,” said IAM Aerospace Coordinator Bobby Barnwell. “This committee will ensure that all three locations have an agreement we can take back to the membership to vote on.”
Today’s IAM membership is looking for much of the same as in 2022 when the negotiating team secured wage increases, health care plan improvements, 401(k) gains, strengthened progression rates, and more.
This time around, however, more focus will be on these top priorities:
- Wage improvements that remain in line with inflation and the cost of living.
- Improve the progression rates or the time it takes to achieve top-of-pay.
- Maintain current benefits without increases.
- Work-life balance improvements in terms of vacation, earned time off, etc.
“The IAM stands firm in its commitment to securing fair wages, benefits, and job security for our members,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Together, we will work to ensure that the hard work and dedication of the employees who contribute to the success of the ULA are recognized and rewarded.”
The current agreement will expire at midnight on May 1, 2025. The committee will determine the timing for bringing any tentative agreement to the membership for a vote at a later date.