Is It 'War?'

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is publicizing a campaign to help United Airlines' (UAL) 9,000 Mechanic & Related employees return to Machinists Union representation.

"At the request of a diverse group of United Airlines Mechanic & Related employees, the Machinists Union has launched a drive to help them return to the only union that can provide a secure defined benefit pension plan and the cross-classification solidarity they need," said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr.

The IAM currently represents United Airlines' 17,000 Ramp & Stores, Public Contact, Food Service, Maintenance Instructor, Fleet Technical Instructor and Security Guard employees. IAM members are the airline's only employees who have a defined benefit pension plan, the IAM National Pension Plan.

The Machinists Union represented UAL's Mechanic & Related employees until 2003, when they voted to be represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA). AMFA was replaced by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, their current union, in April 2008.

The language supporting these actions is quite divisive. "The lack of a secure pension option and the system-wide lack of servicing caused their UAL members to seek a union with a strong focus on local representation," said Roach. "UAL's Mechanic and Related employees have been without a pension since 2005, but IAM members at United are earning benefits in the secure IAM National Pension Plan."

"The Teamsters relegated UAL employees to pre-existing locals where we comprise a minority," said Malik Miah, a San Francisco-based UAL mechanic. "In San Francisco the Teamsters arbitrarily split the membership among multiple locals to suppress our voice and reduce our voting power."

"The Machinists Union will provide UAL Mechanic & Related employees the ability to develop their own district and locals to ensure their right to self-determination," said Roach.

FMI: www.goiam.org/transportation