Lockheed Martin to slow F-35 deliveries due to COVID-19

Lockheed Martin (LM) has announced an alternate work schedule for F-35 production line employees in Fort Worth to meet a slower workflow resulting from supplier delays.

According to details, LM will throttle back the pace of F-35 production on May 23, leaving it anywhere from 18 to 24 jets short of the 141 scheduled for delivery this year.

Lockheed Martin and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) agreed to a new schedule starting May 23 which will divide each shift into three groups. On a rotation, each group will work for two weeks and then will have a week off.

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The agreement allows employees to volunteer to be furloughed for 30 days where they maintain their benefits but forgo pay during this period, a LM release said.

During the adjusted three-week work schedule, employees who work 96 hours or more will be compensated an additional 24 hours for their off week while receiving full pay and benefits.

The @thef35 team remains committed to taking every measure necessary to support our customers, suppliers and workforce.

Learn more here: https://t.co/kwh0WA5c7D pic.twitter.com/3S72OiDFNE

— Lockheed Martin News (@lmnews) May 19, 2020

” The alternate work schedule maintains the specialized skill-set of the employees and provides opportunities to for us to adjust our workflow to account for supplier delays due to COVID-19,” said Aeronautics Executive Vice President Michele Evans.

The temporary alternate work schedule agreement will continue for its first three-week cycle. The company will then evaluate business needs and can alter the schedule as needed with the option to discontinue as warranted or continue until September 4.

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