New Tentative Agreement Provides The Best Pay And Benefits For Aircraft Mechanics At Any U.S. Airline, Union Says

One thousand three hundred UPS aircraft mechanics and related employees represented by Teamsters Local 2727 have secured significant raises in pay, improved retirement security and the protection of health care benefits in a new tentative agreement reached with the shipping company.

The tentative agreement, which will be voted on in the coming weeks by the union's membership, sets a new bar for aircraft mechanics in the U.S. airline industry, with pay rates and benefits that surpass those at FedEx and all other major U.S.-based carriers. Upon ratification of the new contract, Local 2727 members will become the highest paid aviation mechanics in the country by a wide margin.

"It's because of the tremendous resolve and unity of our members and their families that we're celebrating this historic agreement with UPS," said Tim Boyle, President of Louisville-based Teamsters Local 2727. "We knew if we stuck together and stayed committed to protecting the pay and benefits we've earned over decades of hard work, we'd do what many thought was impossible and win big for our families, the future of our company and our customers. This contract does just that along with raising standards throughout the aviation industry."

Highlights of the new tentative agreement include:

• Dramatic increases in pay for all mechanics and related employees, including an immediate 16 percent pay increase;
• Three percent raises each year, resulting in a 30.7 percent increase in pay from current rates by the end of the contract;
• Retroactive pay for all hours worked from November 1, 2013 (the day the current contract first became amendable) to the date of ratification;
• Protection of an unparalleled health care package with no premiums; and
• An increase in UPS's pension contributions.

"I want to extend my congratulations to the Teamsters Local 2727 negotiating committee. This agreement is the culmination of over four years of long hours, hard work and dedication from them. Their focus on improving the existing agreement and quality of life for our UPS members is what now enables us to bring this industry-leading contract to the membership for their review and decision," said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division.

"UPS aircraft mechanics went for years without a raise and we've worried long enough about the future of our medical care," said aircraft mechanic Jack Chatburn who was on the bargaining committee. "We are eager to share the details of this top-notch agreement with our members and our families who will now have the top-notch pay and health benefits we've been fighting for. We believe the contract will be ratified swiftly."

The full details of the tentative agreement will first be disclosed to and discussed with Teamsters Local 2727 members. Members will vote whether to ratify the agreement in a secret ballot referendum that will be conducted in September.

(Source: Teamsters news release)

FMI: www.teamsters.org