Election Conducted By National Mediation Board

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) emerged as the winner Thursday in an election to determine union representation for more than 14,100 Fleet/Ramp workers at the carrier formed by the merger of United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia. The election, which was conducted by the National Mediation Board (NMB), was between the IAM, which represented 6,800 United Airlines Ramp/Fleet employees and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) which represented 7,300 Flight Ramp/Fleet workers at Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia.

“The IAM won this election by utilizing an extensive network of highly energized organizers from all three carriers,” said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr.

While all Ramp/Fleet workers came into this election with existing representation, the quality of that representation became a campaign issue. The IBT negotiated an agreement that allowed Continental to outsource all Ramp/Fleet work, while IAM members at United have a contract that provided job security by guaranteeing work will be performed by United-IAM employees.

“Ramp employees chose the IAM because of the superior representation, compensation, benefits and job security we negotiate into our contracts,” said IAM District 141 President Rich Delaney.

FMI: www.voteiam.com