More than 120 helicopter mechanics and supply technicians working for Amentum at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida, have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union. This marks the first time IAM will represent employees at this naval installation.
The mail-in ballot election concluded on December 30, with a two-to-one majority favoring union representation. The newly organized group is responsible for maintenance and supply support of military helicopter operations at the base.
“This was a campaign that required patience, education, and a strong core group of workers,” said IAM Assistant Organizing Coordinator Joe Solis. “The employees stayed engaged and committed, even when delays tested everyone’s resolve.”
IAM organizers began their efforts by reaching out through existing networks before holding direct meetings to inform workers about union benefits. The process faced setbacks when the petition for representation coincided with the 2025 federal government shutdown, which delayed the vote.
“That delay made things more challenging,” Solis said. “But the workers stayed united and were excited just to finally see the process move forward.”
During this period, Amentum hired around 30 additional staff members. Despite these changes and delays from the shutdown, IAM remained confident in its organizing committee’s commitment.
Solis described establishing a union presence at Naval Station Mayport as particularly significant: “When you’re the first union on a military installation, it’s harder. You have to build trust from the ground up and spend a lot of time educating workers about what the union does and how it benefits them.”
Organizers highlighted IAM’s experience representing Service Contract Act (SCA) workers nationwide in defense, aerospace, and aviation sectors.
“We explained that IAM Union are the experts in the service contract industry,” Solis said. “We’ve delivered strong contracts for thousands of workers doing this kind of work across the country.”
Preparations are underway for negotiations on an initial collective bargaining agreement between IAM representatives and Amentum management. Talks are expected to begin in coming weeks.
“This win shows what’s possible when workers stay engaged and the Organizing Department works closely with the territories and districts,” Solis added. “That partnership is critical, especially during challenges like a government shutdown.”
