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

Teamster aircraft mechanics and related workers at United Airlines overwhelmingly ratified a contract last last week that provides for significant wage increases, maintenance of health care benefits and enhanced job security protections.

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 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."

"This is another important step which benefits our co-workers and contributes to the future success of United," said Jim Keenan, senior vice president of Technical Operations for United. "We now turn our attention to a joint agreement for all United and Continental mechanics, and are committed to reaching an agreement that is fair to the company and fair to our employees."

Passage of the agreement moves the union a step closer to achieving its stated long-term goal of a single combined contract for the 9,000 mechanics the union represents at a merged United Airlines and Continental Airlines.

FMI: www.unitedcontinentalholdings.com, www.teamsters.org