Detroit, MI – In a significant labor action, over 900 members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union from Local 788 in Orlando, Florida, and Local 766 in Denver, Colorado, initiated a strike against Lockheed Martin on May 1, 2025. This decision comes after months of negotiations that failed to yield a satisfactory economic proposal from the defense contractor, which the union describes as rife with unfair labor practices.
Lockheed Martin, the largest defense contractor in the United States, recently reported eye-popping profits of $24 billion over the past three years, with an additional $1.7 billion in profits during the first quarter of 2025 alone. Yet, despite these substantial financial gains, the company has not met the demands of its workforce. Union leaders assert that the current contract proposal includes a slow wage progression that could see workers waiting between 16 and 23 years to reach the top pay rate for most job classifications.
“Lockheed’s workers have to wait years and even decades before seeing a comfortable standard of living, while its executives are swimming in taxpayer dollars,” said UAW Region 4 Director Brandon Campbell. He emphasized the stark contrast between the financial rewards for executives and the meager starting wage of $15 per hour proposed for workers. This wage, according to union representatives, is insufficient given the company's financial performance and the substantial taxpayer funding it receives.
The strike has united workers across the two facilities, with UAW members voting overwhelmingly—99.3% in favor— to authorize the strike, reflecting a deep-seated frustration with the proposed terms. “We are standing together in solidarity and we will have each other’s backs until we get a fair contract,” declared UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith, reinforcing the union's commitment to its members.
Adding to the discontent, Lockheed Martin has also refused to recognize Veterans Day as a paid holiday, a point of contention for many union members who have served in the military. This decision has been interpreted as an insult to those who have proudly served the country.
The backdrop for this labor dispute is notable, as the Trump administration is poised to deliver a defense budget exceeding $1 trillion in 2025, further fueling the narrative of corporate greed within the defense sector. As taxpayer dollars continue to flow into Lockheed Martin, union leaders are demanding that the company provide a fair share to the workers who contribute to its success.
Lockheed Martin's response to the strike has been measured. A spokesperson stated, “We value our employees and their expertise and look forward to reaching a fair labor agreement for both sides. Our employees perform important work for our customers and the nation through their work supporting programs critical to our national security.” However, the union is skeptical of this commitment, given the stark realities of the contract negotiations.
The implications of the strike extend beyond just the two facilities involved. Thousands of UAW marine drafters in Groton, Connecticut, are also fighting for a fair contract, echoing the sentiments of their colleagues at Lockheed Martin. This broader movement within the UAW highlights a growing trend of labor activism in the defense sector, as workers increasingly demand equitable treatment and compensation.
As the strike unfolds, the impact on operations at Lockheed Martin remains uncertain. The company plays a crucial role in national security, and any disruptions could have significant ramifications. The union has made it clear that they are prepared to stand firm until their demands are met, indicating that this labor action could extend beyond a brief walkout.
In the coming days, the spotlight will be on Lockheed Martin as it navigates this labor dispute amid a backdrop of substantial profits and a booming defense budget. The stakes are high for both the workers and the company, as negotiations will determine not just the immediate future of the striking employees but potentially set a precedent for labor relations in the defense industry.
The UAW’s actions at Lockheed Martin serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles that labor unions face in advocating for their members, especially in sectors where profits are soaring yet wages remain stagnant. The outcome of this strike could resonate well beyond the confines of the Orlando and Denver facilities, influencing labor movements across various industries.
As the situation develops, both Lockheed Martin and the UAW will need to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the issues at hand. The resolution of this strike could either reinforce the status quo of corporate practices or pave the way for significant changes in labor relations within the defense sector.
