770 Aviation Repair Techs Join Machinists

by Gordon Pavy, Apr 13, 2007

Some 770 aviation repair technicians, employees of DynCorp at the Patuxent Naval Air Station in Maryland, now are members of the Machinists (IAM) after the National Labor Relations Board certified the 377–284 vote on April 12.

Workers at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station were angered by the firing of contractors at the base, saying DynCorp “unjustly fired a vocal union supporter” and 18-year company veteran in the days prior to the election.

One worker in a Web posting wrote:  

On February 16, 2007, a veteran employee with 18 years of service with DynCorp was terminated for misconduct. This employee during his time of service with DynCorp has served as a loyal and valuable asset to the company at the United States Naval Test Pilot School (TPS). They have recognized his outstanding service through certificates and awards. His work history in the words of his site supervisor, Mr. Randy Hughes, “is exemplary.” The United States Navy also has recognized his achievements. Commanding officers of both TPS and other commands at Pax River have presented him with letters of appreciation on multiple occasions. 

The aviation repair technicians’ successful one-on-one in plant committee program means the employees join IAM members working at 54 other federal facilities contracted out to DynCorp around the country.