IAM and United Airlines Tentative Agreements Provide Immediate Benefits

IAM and United Airlines Tentative Agreements Provide Immediate Benefits

Apr 17, 2023 | Front Page, Organizing, Recent News, Row 2, Uncategorized, United

IAM and United Airlines Tentative Agreements Provide Immediate Benefits

IAM141.org
April 17, 2023

United Airlines and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union have reached tentative agreements covering seven separate workgroups, including fleet service workers, passenger service workers, storekeepers, central load planners, maintenance instructors, fleet technical instructors, and security officers. 

These agreements are intended to provide workplace improvements for covered union members while more comprehensive agreements are negotiated. Union negotiators will begin preparing for new rounds of contract talks in the next few months.

The agreements will provide the highest overall compensation for every covered workgroup and extend outsourcing protections for 17 stations. The deals will extend “no furlough” rules for employees, based on seniority, by twenty years, to June 2019.

The tentative agreements will also include a Ratification bonus for the union, giving members $110 for each year with the company. If ratified, the union will see job protections and pay to improve immediately on the ratification date. The union will also get a $45 million Ratification bonus, which will begin going out in the first pay period after ratification.

“The new agreements will provide immediate job protections and pay increases for our members,” said Mike Klemm, the IAM Union’s District President who helped lead the negotiations. “The Ratification bonus will give our union a significant boost and recognize our members’ years of service to the company.”

The IAM union has been negotiating with United Airlines since 2019, but talks were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Negotiations resumed in December 2022 and concluded earlier this month. 

Union Members in good standing will begin ratification votes on all the agreements on April 24 by electronic ballot. The voting period will last until May 1 at 6:00 pm, when all votes will be tallied. 

Local committees are holding informational town hall and break room meetings at airports nationwide, explaining how the agreements will impact each workgroup. A list of dates for the sessions has been published online.

If ratified, the agreements will position United Airlines to outcompete other airlines in a tight labor market by increasing lead pay by $3/hour and boosting wages in some cases to over $40/hour. They will also insource work at 17 airports nationwide and prevent outsourcing for more employees.

The IAM union’s announcement of the tentative agreements is a welcome development for United Airlines, which has faced uncertainty in recent years due to labor disputes and financial challenges. With these agreements, United Airlines is positioning itself to remain competitive in the airline industry and retain its workforce in a tight labor market.

The announcement also has implications for other airlines in the industry, particularly those that may be facing negotiations with the Machinists Union in the near future. If ratified, these agreements could set industry standards for compensation and job security, making it more difficult for other airlines to compete for workers in a tight labor market.

 

Related News

Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the Machinists Union

Sign up for Email Alerts

IAM and United Airlines Tentative Agreements Provide Immediate Benefits

April 17, 2023

United Airlines and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union have reached tentative agreements covering seven separate workgroups, including fleet service workers, passenger service workers, storekeepers, central load planners, maintenance instructors, fleet technical instructors, and security officers. 

These agreements are intended to provide workplace improvements for covered union members while more comprehensive agreements are negotiated. Union negotiators will begin preparing for new rounds of contract talks in the next few months.

The agreements will provide the highest overall compensation for every covered workgroup and extend outsourcing protections for 17 stations. The deals will extend “no furlough” rules for employees, based on seniority, by twenty years, to June 2019.

The tentative agreements will also include a Ratification bonus for the union, giving members $110 for each year with the company. If ratified, the union will see job protections and pay to improve immediately on the ratification date. The union will also get a $45 million Ratification bonus, which will begin going out in the first pay period after ratification.

“The new agreements will provide immediate job protections and pay increases for our members,” said Mike Klemm, the IAM Union’s District President who helped lead the negotiations. “The Ratification bonus will give our union a significant boost and recognize our members’ years of service to the company.”

The IAM union has been negotiating with United Airlines since 2019, but talks were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Negotiations resumed in December 2022 and concluded earlier this month. 

Union Members in good standing will begin ratification votes on all the agreements on April 24 by electronic ballot. The voting period will last until May 1 at 6:00 pm, when all votes will be tallied. 

Local committees are holding informational town hall and break room meetings at airports nationwide, explaining how the agreements will impact each workgroup. A list of dates for the sessions has been published online.

If ratified, the agreements will position United Airlines to outcompete other airlines in a tight labor market by increasing lead pay by $3/hour and boosting wages in some cases to over $40/hour. They will also insource work at 17 airports nationwide and prevent outsourcing for more employees.

The IAM union’s announcement of the tentative agreements is a welcome development for United Airlines, which has faced uncertainty in recent years due to labor disputes and financial challenges. With these agreements, United Airlines is positioning itself to remain competitive in the airline industry and retain its workforce in a tight labor market.

The announcement also has implications for other airlines in the industry, particularly those that may be facing negotiations with the Machinists Union in the near future. If ratified, these agreements could set industry standards for compensation and job security, making it more difficult for other airlines to compete for workers in a tight labor market.

 

Related

30,000 Machinists Union Members at United Reach Tentative Agreement

30,000 Machinists Union Members at United Reach Tentative Agreement

Apr 13, 2023 | Front Page, Organizing, Other News, Row 2, United

30,000 Machinists Union Members at United Reach Tentative Agreement

On March 29, we informed you that we reached an Agreement in Principle (AIP) with United Airlines on seven contracts covering over 29,000 IAM members at United Airlines. We’re happy to inform you that we have transitioned the AIP into a Tentative Agreement (TA) for you to review and vote on.

All changes to the current agreements can be viewed on our website, iam141.org. It is important to note that only changes will appear on the website. If it is not on the website, then the contractual language remains the same as it does today.

All IAM-United grievance committees attended an informational session yesterday, followed by questions and answers in ORD. IAM District Lodge 141 Officers will also visit each location to explain the tentative agreements and answer questions. Please check the website for what day they will be in your station.

Voting will be conducted electronically by BallotPoint Election Services. You will be sent voting instructions with a Personal Identification Number to the address you have on file with the company. The voting period will commence at 00:01 EDT on April 24, 2023, and last through 18:00 EDT on May 1, 2023.

Please call (888) 608-1411 with questions about voting instructions and electronic voting. Feel free to get in touch with your respective Assistant General Chairperson with questions about specific contract language.

In Solidarity,

Your Negotiating Committee
Olu Ajetomobi
Joe Bartz
Victor Hernandez
Barb Martin
Andrea’ Myers
Terry Stansbury
Faysal Silwany
Erik Stenberg
Sue Weisner

Michael G Klemm
President and Directing General Chair,
District 141,
International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers

Tentative Agreement Page

Recording Secretaries: Please print and post on all IAMAW bulletin Boards.

Get Printable Copy
Transportation Workers Gather for the 2023 North American Transportation Conference

Transportation Workers Gather for the 2023 North American Transportation Conference

Apr 4, 2023 | Front Page, Row 2, Uncategorized

 Transportation Workers Gather in Las Vegas for the 2023 North American Transportation Conference

IAM141.org
April 4, 2023

Las Vegas, NV – On April 2, transportation workers and industry leaders convened in Las Vegas for the 2023 North American Transportation Conference to address the ongoing challenges workers face in the sector. The Conference brought together notable speakers, including Edison Fraser, Chief of Staff for the Machinists Union; Richie Johnsen, General Vice President of the Machinists Union; Sarah Nelson, head of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA); and Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

One of the key issues discussed during the Conference was the alarming trend of approximately one railroad derailment per day in the United States. Experts called for an end to the practice of precision and just-in-time rail scheduling, which they argued has contributed to increased risks and the potential for accidents.

Labor advances were also a major topic, with conference attendees focusing on improving transportation-sector working conditions and addressing worker grievances. The recent Agreement in Principle for seven contracts at United Airlines, covering more than 32,000 front-line workers, was presented as a positive development in this area. Conference attendees enthusiastically decided to ratify the Agreements in Principle at United Airlines while addressing ongoing contract talks at the company.

The Conference’s atmosphere was described as hardworking and sometimes raucous, with participants actively engaged in discussions and debates on the various issues facing transportation workers. The Conference served as a platform for industry leaders, union representatives, and workers to come together and collaborate on solutions to the sector’s pressing concerns.

While specific resolutions and action plans are yet to be announced, the 2023 North American Transportation Conference succeeded in shedding light on the critical issues facing transportation workers today. The event has paved the way for further collaboration and action to address these challenges and improve the lives of those working in the industry.

Johnsen led the 2023 North American Transportation Conference. These influential figures played a significant role in facilitating discussions and fostering collaboration among transportation industry stakeholders. Their leadership contributed to the conference’s success, ensuring that critical issues like air rage incidents and the safety of airline workers were brought to the forefront and addressed by critical decision-makers like Secretary Buttigieg.

Machinists Union Political Activists were supportive of Secretary Buttigieg’s comments. 

“The work the DOT and Justice department have done to help reduce violence against airline workers is a huge benefit to all of us, said Rich Jakubowski, a legislative chairman from Chicago. “If the administration is able to get the FAA reauthorization signed this year our members and the flying public will continue to see positive safety improvements.”

 

Related News

Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the Machinists Union

Sign up for Email Alerts

 Transportation Workers Gather in Las Vegas for the 2023 North American Transportation Conference

April 4, 2023

 

Las Vegas, NV – On April 2, transportation workers and industry leaders convened in Las Vegas for the 2023 North American Transportation Conference to address the ongoing challenges workers face in the sector. The Conference brought together notable speakers, including Edison Fraser, Chief of Staff for the Machinists Union; Richie Johnsen, General Vice President of the Machinists Union; Sarah Nelson, head of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA); and Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

One of the key issues discussed during the Conference was the alarming trend of approximately one railroad derailment per day in the United States. Experts called for an end to the practice of precision and just-in-time rail scheduling, which they argued has contributed to increased risks and the potential for accidents.

Labor advances were also a major topic, with conference attendees focusing on improving transportation-sector working conditions and addressing worker grievances. The recent Agreement in Principle for seven contracts at United Airlines, covering more than 32,000 front-line workers, was presented as a positive development in this area. Conference attendees enthusiastically decided to ratify the Agreements in Principle at United Airlines while addressing ongoing contract talks at the company.

The Conference’s atmosphere was described as hardworking and sometimes raucous, with participants actively engaged in discussions and debates on the various issues facing transportation workers. The Conference served as a platform for industry leaders, union representatives, and workers to come together and collaborate on solutions to the sector’s pressing concerns.

While specific resolutions and action plans are yet to be announced, the 2023 North American Transportation Conference succeeded in shedding light on the critical issues facing transportation workers today. The event has paved the way for further collaboration and action to address these challenges and improve the lives of those working in the industry.

 

Related

Secretary Buttigieg Addresses Air Rage at the 2023 North American Transportation Conference

Secretary Buttigieg Addresses Air Rage at the 2023 North American Transportation Conference

Apr 3, 2023 | Front Page, MNPL, Recent News, Row 2

Secretary Buttigieg Addresses Air Rage at the 2023 North American Transportation Conference

IAM141.org
April 3, 2023

In response to a question about the recent attacks on airline workers by disgruntled passengers, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg outlined the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) efforts to combat air rage during the 2023 North American Transportation Conference. Nina Caldwell, Vice President at Machinists Union District 142, posed the question.

“There is still unacceptable violence happening and intimidation happening on our planes,” said Buttigieg. “Flight crews are there for your safety and need to be respected.” The Secretary detailed the DOT’s zero-tolerance policy for unruly passengers, which has been progressively enforced. “We’re going to keep doing it, and we proposed millions in penalties last year. At least fifty of those cases got referred to the DOJ for criminal prosecution review, and we’re going to continue looking at other steps that would make a difference.”

Buttigieg also mentioned the DOT’s request for airports to work with concessionaires in monitoring alcohol sales and not providing ‘to-go’ cups for alcoholic beverages. The department is partnering with airports on signage and public messaging to ensure everyone knows the zero-tolerance policy and its consequences.

The Secretary highlighted the progress made so far, stating, “We’re seeing results; we’re down about 80% from the record highs in 2021, but even one of these incidents is too many.” He emphasized that the DOT will not rest in addressing this issue and will stand with the industry every step of the way.

Buttigieg went on to say, “It is not just a huge affront to the life-saving work that our workers do, but of course, it endangers everybody on board when you see these incidents occur.” The continued efforts of the DOT aim to ensure the safety of both airline workers and passengers when air travel is facing multiple challenges.

The sharp increase in air rage incidents was partly fueled by masking requirements implemented during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the removal of these requirements, incidents have been reduced overall. However, attacks on airline workers remain high by historical standards.  While the easing of masking requirements has helped reduce tensions, it is crucial to continue addressing this issue to ensure airline workers’ and passengers’ safety and well-being.

Machinists Union Chief of Staff Edison Fraser and General Vice President Richie Johnsen led the 2023 North American Transportation Conference. These influential figures played a significant role in facilitating discussions and fostering collaboration among transportation industry stakeholders. Their leadership contributed to the conference’s success, ensuring that critical issues like air rage incidents and the safety of airline workers were brought to the forefront and addressed by critical decision-makers like Secretary Buttigieg.

Machinists Union Political Activists were supportive of Secretary Buttigieg’s comments. 

“The work the DOT and Justice department have done to help reduce violence against airline workers is a huge benefit to all of us, said Rich Jakubowski, a legislative chairman from Chicago. “If the administration is able to get the FAA reauthorization signed this year our members and the flying public will continue to see positive safety improvements.”

 

Related News

Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the Machinists Union

Sign up for Email Alerts

Secretary Buttigieg Addresses Air Rage at the 2023 North American Transportation Conference

April 3, 2023

In response to a question about the recent attacks on airline workers by disgruntled passengers, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg outlined the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) efforts to combat air rage during the 2023 North American Transportation Conference. Nina Caldwell, Vice President at Machinists Union District 142, posed the question.

“There is still unacceptable violence happening and intimidation happening on our planes,” said Buttigieg. “Flight crews are there for your safety and need to be respected.” The Secretary detailed the DOT’s zero-tolerance policy for unruly passengers, which has been progressively enforced. “We’re going to keep doing it, and we proposed millions in penalties last year. At least fifty of those cases got referred to the DOJ for criminal prosecution review, and we’re going to continue looking at other steps that would make a difference.”

Buttigieg also mentioned the DOT’s request for airports to work with concessionaires in monitoring alcohol sales and not providing ‘to-go’ cups for alcoholic beverages. The department is partnering with airports on signage and public messaging to ensure everyone knows the zero-tolerance policy and its consequences.

The Secretary highlighted the progress made so far, stating, “We’re seeing results; we’re down about 80% from the record highs in 2021, but even one of these incidents is too many.” He emphasized that the DOT will not rest in addressing this issue and will stand with the industry every step of the way.

Buttigieg went on to say, “It is not just a huge affront to the life-saving work that our workers do, but of course, it endangers everybody on board when you see these incidents occur.” The continued efforts of the DOT aim to ensure the safety of both airline workers and passengers when air travel is facing multiple challenges.

The sharp increase in air rage incidents was partly fueled by masking requirements implemented during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the removal of these requirements, incidents have been reduced overall. However, attacks on airline workers remain high by historical standards.  While the easing of masking requirements has helped reduce tensions, it is crucial to continue addressing this issue to ensure airline workers’ and passengers’ safety and well-being.

Machinists Union Chief of Staff Edison Fraser and General Vice President Richie Johnsen led the 2023 North American Transportation Conference. These influential figures played a significant role in facilitating discussions and fostering collaboration among transportation industry stakeholders. Their leadership contributed to the conference’s success, ensuring that critical issues like air rage incidents and the safety of airline workers were brought to the forefront and addressed by critical decision-makers like Secretary Buttigieg.

“The work the DOT and Justice department have done to help reduce violence against airline workers is a huge benefit to all of us, said Rich Jakubowski, a legislative chairman from Chicago. “If the administration is able to get the FAA reauthorization signed this year our members and the flying public will continue to see positive safety improvements.”

Related

Illinois State Council of Machinists Holds Annual Conference

Illinois State Council of Machinists Holds Annual Conference

Mar 25, 2023 | Front Page, MNPL, Other News, Recent News, Recent News, Row 2

Illinois State Council of Machinists Holds Annual Conference

IAM141.org
March 25, 2023

The Illinois State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers recently held its annual conference in Springfield, Illinois, from March 21-23. The conference began with a reception for Illinois State Representatives and Senators, allowing union members to discuss their concerns with political representatives.

The conference was opened by Illinois State Council of Machinist President Steve Jones, followed by General Vice President of the Midwest Territory Steve Galloway. Galloway thanked attendees for their efforts in the recent elections, which resulted in the election of four out of seven candidates for governor in various states. He emphasized the importance of organizing and lobbying for the union’s concerns.
Galloway also shared that 96% of non-union workers stated they would join a union if offered. He stressed the need for union members to understand the value of their dues and what they receive in return.
During the conference, one member mentioned the cannabis industry and the possibility of organizing workers in that field. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union can focus on that industry from seed to sales. Still, the Machinist Union is exploring the possibility of splitting the levels of the cannabis industry to focus on specialized areas.

Vincent Ceraso, IAM Director of Addiction Services, presented new programs to address the needs of union members dealing with divorce, elder care, financial issues, addiction, and substance abuse. From Employee Benefits System, Galen Bullock discussed the many programs that would help active and retired members.

General Vice President from the Midwest Territory Brian Simmons recapped the message from the previous speakers, adding that Illinois has excelled in labor concerns, and other states are using their accomplishments as an example.

IL State Representatives and Senators spoke on various topics, emphasizing the Machinist Union’s instrumental assistance in the last election. Eloisa Rosales and Sunni Isaac provided information on planning for retirement. At the same time, Karin Connelly, an attorney for Ridge & Downs, explained the process of worker injury claims and the importance of consistency when reporting injuries.

The Illinois State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers conference proved to be a productive and informative gathering for union members, providing opportunities for networking, learning, and engagement with political representatives.

Related News

Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the Machinists Union

Sign up for Email Alerts

Illinois State Council of Machinists Holds Annual Conference

March 25, 2023

The Illinois State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers recently held its annual conference in Springfield, Illinois, from March 21-23. The conference began with a reception for Illinois State Representatives and Senators, allowing union members to discuss their concerns with political representatives.

The conference was opened by Illinois State Council of Machinist President Steve Jones, followed by General Vice President of the Midwest Territory Steve Galloway. Galloway thanked attendees for their efforts in the recent elections, which resulted in the election of four out of seven candidates for governor in various states. He emphasized the importance of organizing and lobbying for the union’s concerns.
Galloway also shared that 96% of non-union workers stated they would join a union if offered. He stressed the need for union members to understand the value of their dues and what they receive in return.
During the conference, one member mentioned the cannabis industry and the possibility of organizing workers in that field. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union can focus on that industry from seed to sales. Still, the Machinist Union is exploring the possibility of splitting the levels of the cannabis industry to focus on specialized areas.

Vincent Ceraso, IAM Director of Addiction Services, presented new programs to address the needs of union members dealing with divorce, elder care, financial issues, addiction, and substance abuse. From Employee Benefits System, Galen Bullock discussed the many programs that would help active and retired members.

General Vice President from the Midwest Territory Brian Simmons recapped the message from the previous speakers, adding that Illinois has excelled in labor concerns, and other states are using their accomplishments as an example.

IL State Representatives and Senators spoke on various topics, emphasizing the Machinist Union’s instrumental assistance in the last election. Eloisa Rosales and Sunni Isaac provided information on planning for retirement. At the same time, Karin Connelly, an attorney for Ridge & Downs, explained the process of worker injury claims and the importance of consistency when reporting injuries.

The Illinois State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers conference proved to be a productive and informative gathering for union members, providing opportunities for networking, learning, and engagement with political representatives.

Related

30,000 Machinists Union Members at United Reach Tentative Agreement

United Airlines Contract Negotiations

Mar 20, 2023 | Front Page, Recent News, Row 2, United

United Contract Negotiations Update

IAM and United management negotiators met this past Friday in Washington DC for 14 hours in an effort to reach agreement on seven IAM contracts covering almost 30,000 United Airlines workers. While United management has finally recognized that to reach any agreement, whether in the current expedited process or traditional “Section Six” negotiations, the issue of job security must be resolved. The parties, however, still remain apart on a mutually acceptable job security construct. 

As we have stated since the onset of this expedited process, IAM-represented United Airlines workers need and deserve job security that prohibits outsourcing and protects our employment and job status (full-time/part-time). While we have made significant progress in the outsourcing and employment protection components of job security, United management has still not offered acceptable protections for full-time and part-time employment and opportunities for part-time employees who seek full-time employment to obtain those positions. 

United management representatives, whether high-ranking officials in negotiations or frontline management personnel have stated to IAM negotiators and IAM-represented United workers across the system that they have no intention of “casualizing” the Ramp and PCE and making those classifications majority-plus part-time work classifications. 

They just refuse to put it in writing. 

Every IAM contract in the airline industry includes protection of full-time employment, which consequently protects part-time employment. Your District 141 Negotiations Committee has proposed language that is reasonable and which exists in other IAM contracts at major airlines. While protecting full-time and part-time employment, our proposals also provide United management the flexibility to grow the carrier, which we all want, and the needed flexibility in case of a reduction in force. 

After Friday’s talks, the gap on the remaining issues has narrowed. But, United management negotiators are still pushing back against what we view as acceptable resolutions to these issues. While there may be a path to an agreement, we are now forced to review our options to exit the expedited process and enter traditional “Section Six” negotiations and possibly request the assistance of the National Mediation Board (NMB) and enter federally mediated negotiations.

We appreciate the patience and strong support of all IAM members at United Airlines. The almost 30,000 IAM members at United Airlines do not deserve to be treated as second-class citizens in the realm of Job Security.

We deserve to know that our jobs and paychecks are secure so that we can care for our families with dignity.

We will advise the membership of next steps later this week.

In Solidarity,

Your Negotiating Committee
Olu Ajetomobi
Joe Bartz
Victor Hernandez
Barb Martin
Andrea’ Myers
Terry Stansbury
Faysal Silwany
Erik Stenberg
Sue Weisner

Michael G Klemm
President and Directing General Chair, 
District 141,
International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers

Recording Secretaries: Please print and post on all IAMAW bulletin Boards.

Get Printable Copy