Mechanics Would Receive Healthy Raises, Signing Bonuses

Continental Airlines and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced Friday they had reached a tentative agreement on a new labor contract with the (IBT) representing Continental aircraft maintenance technicians and related employees. The IBT is expected to hold a ratification vote in the coming weeks.

"(The agreement) recognizes the hard work of our technicians," said Mike Bonds, senior vice president of human resources and labor relations for Continental. "We look forward to continue working together with the IBT."

That sentiment was echoed by labor representatives. "This is a good agreement, with healthy raises and signing bonuses," said Teamsters Airline Division Director David Bourne. "It recognizes the contribution that our ... mechanics make to the success of Continental Airlines."

According to the Teamsters website, the contract provides a signing bonus of up to $6,000.00, based on longevity, to be paid on or before November 15, 2010. There is also a  2.5% increase in base as of 1/1/09; 2.5% compounded increase in base as of 7/1/10, with retro pay to be applied to both 1/1/09 and 7/1/10 increases and paid on or before November 15, 2010; 2.5% compounded increase as of 7/1/11; and 2.5% increase as of 7/1/12. An additional one million dollars in one-time bonus pay to be allocated to members on a longevity basis.

The agreement covers approximately 3,700 Continental technicians and related employees located throughout the United States. A date for the ratification vote has not yet been set, but it is expected within the coming weeks. The count is expected in mid-October.

FMI: http://teamsterair.org, www.continental.com