Latest iMail Thu. May 12, 2016
An article by Ted Reed in The Street sheds light on how new IAM contracts with United Airlines are reversing the trend of outsourcing union jobs in the air transport industry. (Photo by: Bill Burke/Page One Photography)
The IAM was recently able to secure industry-best wages, retirement security and work protection for the approximately 30,000 members it represents at United Airlines. An article by Ted Reed in The Street explores how these newest agreements are reversing a trend of outsourcing airline jobs.
Reed noted that following the turmoil in air transport at the start of the 21st Century, a good sign in this round of IAM negotiations was successfully bringing multiple groups of regional workers at United Express under IAM representation.
“We’ve never had this before,” IAM District 141 President Mike Klemm told Reed. “The unprecedented thing is that no [major airline] contract has ever been able to protect regional flying until now.”
The IAM is the largest union at United Airlines and the new contracts also include substantial raises and other improvements for all IAM represented employees.
READ: IAM Members at United Overwhelmingly Ratify New Contracts
“IAM members at United can now share appropriately in the value they created at one of the world’s biggest and most successful airlines,” said IAM Transportation General Vice President Sito Pantoja. “I commend the Negotiating Committee for the tremendous amount of work they did and every IAM member at United Airlines for demanding and achieving their fair share. I’d also like to thank United CEO Oscar Munoz and his team for demonstrating a willingness to partner with the IAM for the benefit of the employees and the airline.”