Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has agreed with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers to implement an alternate work schedule to continue to staff the F-35 production line in Fort Worth, Texas, in response to supplier delays due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“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," Michele Evans, executive vice president of Lockheed’s aeronautics business and a 2020 Wash100 awardee, said in a statement published Tuesday.
The move is part of Lockheed’s proactive actions to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the fighter jet’s production and sustain aircraft delivery.
The temporary three-week work schedule will kick off on Saturday, May 23, and split each shift into three groups. Each group will have a week off and perform work for a couple of weeks on a rotational basis. The company will pay personnel who work at least 96 hours an additional 24 hours for their off week in addition to benefits and full salary.
After the first three-week rotation, Lockheed will assess business requirements and determine whether to stop the temporary schedule or continue through Sept. 4.
