Lockheed Deal With Union Ends Strike

Lockheed Martin Corp., the leading U.S. defense contractor, said Sunday that it had reached a new three-year labor agreement with the largest union at its Fort Worth aircraft manufacturing facility, ending a strike that began April 14.

Members of the International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers voted to accept the proposal in a meeting Sunday, Lockheed said.

“With the new contract in place, we can continue concentrating on the critical requirements of our customers and our important mission of producing the world’s most advanced, highest quality combat aircraft,” said Dain M. Hancock, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

The union represents about 4,100 workers at the Texas plant. The contract will allow the members to report to work as usual today, and resume production of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Bethesda, Md.-based firm said.