The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) praised members of Congress on March 26 for signing a bipartisan letter urging the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to fund the C-130J Super Hercules program. The letter, supported by a record number of congressional members, calls for increased funding and procurement to bolster U.S. airlift capabilities.
The issue is significant because the C-130J program supports thousands of high-quality IAM jobs as well as more than 33,000 direct and indirect positions and nearly 500 suppliers across 38 states. Union leaders say continued investment in this production line is vital not only for national defense but also for sustaining American manufacturing jobs.
The congressional letter requests that the subcommittee add eight C-130Js for the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command, six Navy Reserve KC-130Js, four LC-130J ski-equipped aircraft for the Air National Guard, and $100 million to address fleetwide Diminishing Manufacturing Sources remediation.
IAM International President Brian Bryant said in his recent communication with lawmakers that “the C-130J is the only U.S.-made airlifter currently in production.” Bryant added: “A stable and efficient C-130J production line is vital in supporting current and future Department of Defense and allied nation airlift requirements. In addition, the C-130J production line provides for thousands of high-quality IAM Union jobs at Lockheed Martin and across the nationwide supply chain.”
Supporters argue that maintaining funding will help recapitalize aging U.S. airlift fleets while ensuring job security along a critical defense supply chain. The IAM has made clear its intention to continue advocating for robust investment in programs like the C-130J that they believe are essential both to national security interests and American workers.
