Vote To Begin July 7th, Results Expected August 11

The National Mediation Board (NMB) has set July 7, 2011 as the starting date for a five-week election that will determine which of two massive unions will represent the 14,300 Ramp/Fleet Service workers of the recently-merged airline.

Currently, the  International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) represents 6,400 fleet service workers at United, while the Teamsters is the union representing 7,500 workers employed by what was formerly Continental.

“Our goal for the combined group is a contract that provides the kind of compensation and job security that ensures employees share in the success of the world’s largest carrier. This election is all about job security and which union can negotiate the best Ramp contract in the airline industry,” said IAM Transportation Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. “The IAM negotiated our first United agreement in 1948, and generations of members have been building on it ever since.”

The Teamsters have formed a pre-integration team comprised of workers from CAL and UAL to help identify the priorities of the two workforces so that every worker's concerns will be addressed. The union has also invited representatives from IAM to participate in a debate on June 16. The debate will be available via video stream and teleconference for workers from both work groups.

"We are confident that when given the choice, workers at UAL-CAL will choose the Teamsters to represent them on the job," Bourne said. "We are successful because we listen to our members, identify their issues and don't back down. We will fight to protect every one of our members' jobs and provide them the best representation in the industry."

The NMB will announce vote results on August 11, 2011.

“Even with an agreement adopted while United was in bankruptcy, IAM members enjoy a contract that is light years ahead of the terms weighing down Continental Fleet workers,” said Rich Delaney, President of IAM District 141. “Our goal for the combined group is a contract that provides the kind of compensation and job security that ensures employees share in the success of the world’s largest carrier.”

"We are excited about the upcoming election and look forward to welcoming our brothers and sisters at UAL," said Teamsters Airline Division Director Capt. David Bourne. "Our union has already begun laying the groundwork to bring all fleet workers at UAL-CAL together under one wing."

FMI: www.voteiam.com, www.Teamster.org