Members of IAM Local 2771 (District 776) at M1 Support Services, located at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, have ratified a new four-year contract as of Mar. 31. The agreement includes pay increases totaling more than 22% for approximately 550 workers.
The contract is significant for the employees who support the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Program (ENJJPT), which is described as the world’s only multi-nationally manned and managed flying training program dedicated to producing combat pilots for NATO. Each year, about 200 pilots and 55 instructor pilots graduate from this intensive program.
Cory Bennett, Chief of Staff for IAM District 776, said, “Our members wanted to keep up with the affordability crisis, and keep the contract language gains they have won over the years. 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 secures employee and family healthcare contributions while strengthening language on scope of work and work rules. Notably, it includes provisions that ensure IAM members are paid if management cancels overtime shifts after notification has been given.
Craig Martin, Southern Territory General Vice President of IAM, 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.”
IAM members perform flight operations and maintenance on T-6 Texan and T-38 Talon aircraft as part of their support for ENJJPT’s mission—a critical operation serving both the United States Air Force’s 82nd Training Wing and allied NATO countries.
