5,500 Aircraft Mechanics Gain Wage Increases, More Job Security Protections

(WASHINGTON) – Teamster aircraft mechanics and related workers at United Airlines Inc. [NYSE: UAL] overwhelmingly ratified a contract that provides for significant wage increases, maintenance of health care benefits and enhanced job security protections, the Teamsters Union announced today.
The Teamster contract covers about 5,500 aircraft mechanics and related employees throughout the United States.
“This marks a historic day for Teamster United mechanics,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “They stood united for a better future and for big improvements at United. They should feel proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
“My congratulations go out to the negotiating committee for their dedication and perseverance in negotiating a strong Teamster contract. These hardworking Teamster mechanics and related workers deserve all the improvements negotiated in this agreement,” said Teamsters Airline Division Director Capt. David Bourne.
Passage of the agreement is a major step toward achieving the ultimate goal of a single combined contract for the 9,000 Teamster mechanics at a merged United Airlines and Continental Airlines.
"Passage of this agreement was a real breakthrough and a major step toward achieving the ultimate goal of a single combined contract for the 9,000 mechanics at the new airline,” said Roger Apana, a mechanic from Honolulu and a member of the negotiating committee. “It feels good that we were able to achieve a $11,500 signing bonus along with restoring many of the items that were conceded in bankruptcy and securing the best job protections we've had in our 70-year history."

UAL Mechanics Ratified Contract

The contract was ratified .
69% Yes
31% No

Vote Count

The ballots are to be picked up at the Post Office at 7:00 am (PST) and counted immediately after.
As soon as I get an official notice, I will post it here or check Bob’s blog Here.

Teamsters Aviation Mechanics License Protection Program

As aviation maintenance professionals, we take safety very seriously. Unfortunately there are times when, due to circumstances we some times cannot control, we find ourselves in a position where we are accused of or have actually violated FARs.

Many of our workplaces have robust ASAP and MSAP programs, but they sometimes are not enough. The FAA is taking a more punitive approach to FAR violations and, in some cases, is denying ASAP and MSAP cases they once accepted. They are now vigorously pursuing license action and fines. For those reasons, the Teamsters Airline Division and the TAMC are proud to present, at no cost to members, legal representation for those who find themselves receiving a letterof investigation (LOI) from the FAA.

For more information, contact the license protectionprogram administrator at your local or contact theTeamsters Airline Division at 202-624-6848. Moreinformation can be found at http://www.teamsterair.org/. Brochure

“Notice of Referendum”

THIS IS TO SERVE NOTICE OF REFERENDUM ON WHETHER TO ACCEPT THE UNITED AIRLINES MECHANIC AND RELATED CONTRACT PROPOSAL.

THE REFERENDUM IS BEING CONDUCTED BY MAIL BALLOT. BALLOTS WILL BE MAILED TO ALL ELIGIBLE MEMBERS ON OR ABOUT December 2, 2011. ALL BALLOTS MUST BE RECEIVED AT THE DESIGNATED POST OFFICE BOX IN LANHAM, MARYLAND, BY 10:00 A.M. EASTERN TIME ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011, TO BE COUNTED.

MEMBERS WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED A BALLOT BY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011, SHOULD CONTACT THEIR LOCAL UNION OFFICE TO REQUEST A BALLOT. BALLOTS MAY BE REQUESTED THROUGH Friday, December 16, 2011, 12 NOON EASTERN TIME.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF THE BALLOT ARE ENCLOSED IN THE BALLOT PACKAGE.