Union members gather to rally for fair wages outside Lockheed Martin facilities in Orlando.
Over 900 union members from Lockheed Martin’s Orlando and Denver facilities initiated a strike on May 1, 2025, due to stalled contract negotiations. UAW leaders argue for fair wages and benefits, addressing financial challenges faced by workers while the company reports significant profits. Rallying for better working conditions, the strike marks a historic moment for Lockheed Martin, with total solidarity from union members across locations as they advocate for their rights amid corporate wealth disparities.
Orlando, Florida – More than 900 union members from Lockheed Martin facilities in Orlando and Denver began a strike on May 1, 2025, in response to stalled contract negotiations with the United Auto Workers (UAW). This strike marks a historic moment as it is the first instance of workers walking off the job at the Sand Lake Road facility in Orlando.
Cherrie Bowen, chairperson for UAW Local 788 in Orlando, highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing that Lockheed Martin has never before experienced such a strike. She noted that workers are facing financial challenges, expressing concerns that many employees cannot afford basic necessities like rent and groceries, despite the company’s significant profitability over recent years. Workers are seeking a fair wage, insisting they want their share of the corporation’s financial success.
The union’s demands go beyond just wage adjustments; they are also advocating for benefits such as making Veterans Day a paid holiday. Furthermore, the union is addressing grievances regarding a slow pay progression system that can take between 16 to 23 years for workers to reach the maximum pay level. Gideon Spence, a worker at the Orlando facility, pointed out that some workers are earning less than $16 per hour, while similar positions in the market offer more competitive salaries.
The UAW has declared its commitment to maintaining the strike until a satisfactory contract is reached, pledging to keep a presence around the clock. The union has emphasized concerns regarding corporate greed, arguing that the upper management of Lockheed Martin has seen substantial earnings while workers struggle to sustain a livable income.
Lockheed Martin, a major employer in Central Florida, operates multiple offices, including those in Titusville and Ocala and plays a significant role in hiring graduates from the University of Central Florida. The company’s financial performance has been robust, as evidenced by their Q1 2025 earnings report, which indicated $18 billion in sales, an increase of $1.7 billion from the previous year, along with $1.5 billion returned to investors. This data supports the union’s assertion that raising wages and improving benefits are legitimate demands given the company’s financial health.
As the strike unfolds, over 80% of Lockheed’s hourly workforce remains in a prolonged wage progression under the rejected contract offer. Simultaneously, UAW Local 766 in Denver joined the Orlando workers in solidarity, demonstrating unity among union members in their shared quest for better working conditions and compensation.
Workers gathered at the Orlando facility to participate in a rally, showcasing collective determination in their fight for fair wages. The timing of the strike coinciding with International Workers Day (May Day) serves as a powerful backdrop for labor activism around the globe, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by workers advocating for their rights.
In response to the strike, an unnamed spokesperson for Lockheed Martin expressed a desire to reach a fair labor agreement while acknowledging the importance of their employees’ efforts in contributing to the company’s success. The labor dispute continues to unfold as both sides seek to find common ground.
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