Machinists Union Members Ratify Five Contracts with United Airlines While Larger Talks Continue

On May 1, 2023, approximately 29,000 District Lodge 141 members at United Airlines ratified five contracts, setting a new industry standard, according to an official statement by Mike Klemm, the District President. The ratified contracts cover the Fleet Service, Passenger Service, Storekeeper, Maintenance Instructor, and Fleet Technical Instructor and Related classifications. However, the contracts for 73 Central Load Planners and 45 Security Officers did not receive ratification and will now move into Section 6 negotiations.

Groundbreaking Agreements

Klemm stated that these contracts would provide industry-leading wage rates across all pay scales and bring insourcing to five previously outsourced locations, including MIA, COS (ATW and BTW), ATL, RDU, and SLC (BTW). Additionally, the 17 locations presently covered by LOA 9 will now fall under the scope of the new agreement with no expiration date.

The ratified agreements also include increased lead and specialty premiums, limitations on part-time usage, and extended system-wide no lay-off protection to tens of thousands of IAM members. Members will also receive a ratification payment.

A Progressive Timeline

The two-year agreements also set the stage for Section 6 negotiations to commence in 12 months, a year earlier than the amendable date of the contracts. “Early next year, we will begin the collective bargaining process, starting with a survey and an official call for proposals,” Klemm announced. A screening committee will be appointed to determine membership priorities and begin negotiations subsequently.

Acknowledgments and Future Steps

Klemm expressed gratitude to the members who participated in the ratification vote and the negotiating committee comprising Olu Ajetomobi, Joe Bartz, Victor Hernandez, Barb Martin, Andrea’ Myers, Terry Stansbury, Faysal Silwany, Erik Stenberg, and Sue Weisner.

“I want every IAM member to know that your committee represented your interests with the greatest of care, attention, and detail,” Klemm emphasized. He also thanked Richie Johnsen, Air Transport General Vice President, and his staff for their support and counsel.

Notably, Klemm also acknowledged the efforts of the United Airlines management negotiators. “While we had many disagreements across the table, United management negotiators recognized that United workers are an asset to be invested in, not a liability to be minimized,” he said.

The new agreements signify a step forward for thousands of airline workers, and Klemm affirmed that District Lodge 141 members have “once again set the bar in the airline industry by demonstrating their solidarity and demanding justice on the job.”