The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) announced on Mar. 26 that a record number of members of Congress have signed a bipartisan letter urging the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to fund the C-130J Super Hercules program.
The move comes after IAM International President Brian Bryant wrote to lawmakers, encouraging them to support continued investment in the C-130J. The congressional letter calls for adding 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 dedicated to fleetwide Diminishing Manufacturing Sources remediation.
According to IAM, the C-130J is considered an important asset due to its advanced operational capabilities and low life-cycle costs. The union highlights that beyond supporting thousands of high-quality Machinists Union jobs, the program sustains more than 33,000 direct and indirect jobs as well as 497 suppliers across 38 states.
Bryant said in his letter: “The C-130J is the only U.S.-made airlifter currently in production. 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.”
Union officials stress that continued funding is critical both for recapitalizing aging U.S. airlift fleets and sustaining employment within communities linked to this manufacturing sector.
Further details on congressional backing can be found by reading the complete letter signed by members of Congress here.
