Decision Paves Way For Election Of Nearly 15,000 Fleet Service,
Ramp Workers
The National Mediation Board (NMB) has issued a decision finding
that United and Continental are single carriers for the purpose of
labor relations. For the Continental fleet service, cargo and
operations workers, and the United and Continental Micronesia ramp,
cargo and operations workers, this means the NMB will soon order an
election.
The Teamsters currently represent about 7,300 fleet service
workers at Continental and 400 workers at Continental Micronesia,
while the Machinists Union represents about 6,500 ramp workers at
United.
"I'm glad the decision has finally arrived," said David Clinton,
a ramp serviceman at United at Dulles International Airport in
Virginia and 15-year employee with the airline. "It's time to get
the vote on. My co-workers and I are ready to form our union with
the Teamsters and join our brothers and sisters from
Continental."
The Teamsters also represent the mechanics at both United and at
Continental.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace
Workers (IAM) welcomed Thursday’s National Mediation Board
(NMB) single carrier ruling. The NMB decision sets in motion a
14-day period during which the IAM will provide sufficient evidence
of support for the NMB to call for a union representation election.
The Board requires a “showing of interest” by at least
35 percent of the combined classification before an election will
be scheduled. The NMB will set the time frame for an election after
the IAM provides its showing of interest.
“We are very pleased with the NMB decision,” said
IAM District 141 President and Directing General Chairman Rich
Delaney. “This will allow Fleet/Ramp service employees to
determine their future and allow the IAM to continue to negotiate
from a position of even greater strength. As airlines continue to
consolidate for their best interests it is equally important for
airline employees to consolidate into a single group. This decision
is the first step.”
The IAM has represented Ramp Service employees at United
Airlines since 1948, negotiating collective bargaining agreements
that repeatedly set compensation standards for the entire industry
while providing solid careers for generations of workers at
United.
“This is the first step towards bringing together the
Fleet/Ramp service classifications at the new United under the
banner of the IAM,” said New York Local 1322 President James
Carlson. “The IAM has the knowledge, experience and strength
to deliver a combined collective bargaining agreement that secures
the wages, benefits and working conditions we deserve.”
“IAM members in Chicago are looking forward to the process
that will welcome our brothers and sisters from Continental into
the IAM family,” said Chicago Local 1487 President Tony
Liccardi.
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