More than 120 helicopter mechanics and supply technicians employed by 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 an IAM-represented group will be present at the base.
The mail-in ballot election, held on December 30, resulted in a two-to-one margin in favor of IAM representation. The newly organized workers are responsible for essential maintenance and supply support for military helicopter operations at the installation.
“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.”
The organizing process began with outreach from IAM through established networks. It included direct conversations, meetings, and education about union benefits. After filing a petition for representation, progress was delayed by the 2025 federal government shutdown.
“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 the campaign period, Amentum hired around 30 additional employees. Despite this increase and election delays caused by the shutdown, organizers remained confident in their efforts.
Solis noted that establishing an IAM presence at Naval Station Mayport is significant because it is the first union at this military installation. “When you’re the first union on a military installation, it’s harder,” he said. “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 extensive experience representing Service Contract Act (SCA) workers nationwide, especially in defense, aerospace, and aviation industries.
“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 now underway for bargaining a first contract between Amentum employees at Naval Station Mayport and their new union representatives. Negotiations are expected to begin soon.
“This win shows what’s possible when workers stay engaged and the Organizing Department works closely with the territories and districts,” Solis said. “That partnership is critical, especially during challenges like a government shutdown.”
