22 May 2020: To maintain the workflow balance of the skilled labour and keeping in mind the health and safety of employees, Lockheed Martin and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) have agreed on a temporary alternate work schedule for F-35 production line employees in Fort Worth. This is done in an attempt to retain the expertise of the talented workforce and provide opportunities to adjust work to better support production.
Giving his views on the alternate week work Aeronautics Executive Vice President Michele Evans said, “These are challenging times, but managing tough challenges is when the F-35 program performs at its best. The alternate work schedule maintains the specialized skillset of the employees and provides opportunities to for us to adjust our workflow to account for supplier delays due to COVID-19.”
As per the new schedule starting tomorrow, 23rd May 2020, each shift will be divided into three groups. Each group will work for two weeks and then take a week off. Also, the employees who work 96 hours or more will be compensated an additional 24 hours for their off week while receiving full pay and benefits. This schedule will continue till 4th September or can be altered as needed by the company.
