Workers at V2X Vertex Aerospace in Fort Worth, Texas, who provide maintenance services for 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 voting in favor of IAM representation. These workers will now be represented by IAM District 776.
The organizing effort was the result of years of groundwork and intensified after employees contacted the union in June 2025 seeking assistance. “This campaign really belongs to the workers,” said IAM Associate Organizer Keith “Chub” McCrory. “They stuck together through delays, through uncertainty, and they never lost sight of why they wanted a union.”
McCrory noted that although discussions about organizing had taken place over several years, momentum increased when an employee reached out directly to the IAM. “We met with a handful of them, dropped cards right away, and let them take ownership of the campaign,” McCrory said. “It’s their contract. It’s their future.”
The process faced challenges when the 2025 federal government shutdown delayed the election process. Despite concerns that this delay could reduce enthusiasm among workers, support remained strong. “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 under IAM representation and played a role in encouraging others and addressing misinformation about unions within the workplace. According to McCrory, there was no significant anti-union campaign from management; however, some internal opposition did attempt to raise doubts.
“In the end, people will see what a contract can do for them,” said McCrory.
This development is seen as important for IAM’s strategy for growth in North Texas, where service contract work related to aerospace and defense is common around Alliance Field. The IAM already represents V2X members at other locations and is recognized as the largest aerospace and defense union in the United States.
“Planting the flag out there was the goal,” McCrory said. “This is just the beginning, a new beginning in that area.”
The campaign was led by McCrory and fellow Organizing Department Associate Organizer Joey Barnes with support from IAM District 776 leadership and members over several years.
“We wouldn’t be here without District 776’s help,” McCrory added, acknowledging support from Doyle Huddleston, President and Directing Business Representative of District 776.
