Federation of American Scientists Ratifies First Collective Bargaining Agreement with International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union
FAS Agreement with IAM is a Commitment to Workplace Transparency, Worker Protections, and Stronger Employee Voice
Washington, D.C. – July 21, 2026 – In a move mirroring its founding eighty years ago by scientists who collectively brought their voices to policymaking, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), one of the oldest nonpartisan, nonprofit science and technology policy organizations in the United States, announces its first collective bargaining agreement with International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 4. The agreement comes after FAS voluntarily recognized the union in 2024.
“We have an agreement that reflects what we aspire for FAS to be – a workplace built on trust, transparency, accountability, and shared respect,” says Daniel Correa, FAS CEO. “It brings greater clarity and consistency to how we work together, and lays a strong foundation for a constructive, collaborative partnership necessary to develop problem-solving policy ideas.”
He adds: “I’m proud of the efforts of so many across our organization that sought to listen, find common ground, and build a shared vision of what is possible, and I believe we are a stronger organization as a result.”
Ratifying this agreement with IAM ensures that employees at FAS have an expanded voice in the future of FAS as the importance of science and technology continue to grow, and the workforce rapidly evolves.
“FAS has always been a pioneer,” says board member Gilman Louie. “Through this agreement, we have an opportunity to set a powerful example for other organizations by strengthening both our team and our ability to drive impact.”
Members of the bargaining unit worked with leadership for over a year to reach the landmark agreement. IAM District 4 is part of the Eastern territory of IAM and represents workers in aerospace, automotive, defense, transportation, woodworking, the federal government, and several other industries. IAM is one of the largest and most diverse labor unions in North America with nearly 600,000 active and retired members, including workers from Boeing, Lockheed Martin, United Airlines, and Harley-Davidson.
For media inquiries, contact Katie McCaskey (press@fas.org).
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ABOUT FAS
The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) works to advance progress on a broad suite of contemporary issues where science, technology, and innovation policy can deliver transformative impact, and seeks to ensure that scientific and technical expertise have a seat at the policymaking table. Established in 1945, FAS continues to bring scientific rigor and analysis to address national challenges. More information about FAS’s work at fas.org.
RESOURCES
IAM District 4 Announcement (IAM, July 2, 2026)
The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) Voluntarily Recognizes First Employee Union in Organization’s Nearly 80 Year History (FAS, August 30, 2024)