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UNITED AIRLINESUPDATED 1/23/2025  United Airlines Teamsters Submit Initial Proposal to Company on Scope of Work The United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee resumed bargaining in San Francisco on Wednesday, where the committee is focused on fighting outsourcing and reaching tentative agreements on the contract’s economic articles. During Wednesday’s session, the committee finalized and submitted the union’s initial scope of work proposal to the company. United will now calculate the costs of the scope and economic proposals to establish a counteroffer; The committee is not expecting a full counteroffer from the company until after this round of bargaining. “It is common for an employer to slow down the pace of bargaining during economic negotiations, but the committee has done a great job of moving this process along, fighting for a fair contract, and putting the pressure on United at the table,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “No matter what the company counters with, it won’t change the fact that United Airlines Teamsters deserve the best contract in the industry. The committee looks forward to United’s response to our economic and scope of work proposals.” Wednesday’s negotiations took place as United Airlines announced its Q4 and end-of-year profits, with the airline reporting $14.7 billion in revenue last quarter and ending 2024 with $57.1 billion in total revenue. United also posted $3.1 billion in total income in 2024, the second highest profit among all US airlines last year. “We know that United recently announced industry-leading profits and revenue to close 2024, and that the company expects to do even better this year,” said Jimmy Sligar, a technician from Local 19 and a member of the negotiating committee. “We’re the reason this company made record breaking profits. That’s why we are committed to winning a record breaking contract for our members.” The eleventh round of bargaining with United will continue in San Francisco until Thursday, January 23. United Airlines Teamsters Begin Eleventh Round of Bargaining, Review Proposal on Scope Yesterday, the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee resumed bargaining with United Airlines this week, kicking off the eleventh round of negotiations in San Francisco following last week’s session in Newark. On Tuesday, the committee received an updated presentation on the Railway Labor Act (RLA) bargaining process. The presentation reviewed the overall process and the requirements for contract mediation with the National Mediation Board. Following this, the committee spent the rest of the day finalizing details for the union’s scope of work proposal, which covers all types of work reserved for United Airlines Teamsters. “One of the most important aspects of the contract is scope of work, and the committee is working overtime to move this process forward,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the Untied Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “The committee is dedicated to returning Aircraft, Facilities, and GSE work back under our scope. We will not let United continue to outsource work at the expense of Teamster pay and passengers’ safety.” This week, the committee is also expecting a counter from the company to the union’s initial economic proposal submitted during last week’s session in Newark. However, while United calculates the union’s initial economic proposal, the committee will continue discussions on the remaining articles to prepare for future bargaining sessions. “Every day without a contract means potential gains are delayed. Since we’ve passed the amendable date, time is critical,” said Ryan Pachasa, a technician from Local 986 and a member of the negotiating committee. “We are ready to move this process forward. The ball is in United’s court to join us.” The eleventh round of bargaining with United will continue in San Francisco until Thursday, January 23. United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee Concludes Tenth Round of Bargaining, Tees Up Proposals for Discussion During Next Session The United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee concluded the tenth round of bargaining with the airline on Thursday. During Thursday’s session, the committee presented its proposals on Letter of Agreement #24 and Article 13. The committee expects a response from United during next week’s bargaining session. United informed the committee that a counteroffer on the initial economic proposals will be offered next week as well. “The committee did a great job this week of building the foundation for which we will launch the rest of this campaign,” said United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee Chairman Clacy Griswold. “We understand that economic negotiations are a back-and-forth process, but we are set up for success in future bargaining sessions. We can’t wait to get back to bargaining next week, where we will continue the fight for the industry-leading contract United Airlines Teamsters have earned.” The committee also used Thursday to discuss union proposals on the scope of work for United Airlines Teamsters. The union is demanding that United return Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) back to the United States from unlicensed vendors overseas. In addition to MRO work, the committee is fighting for members in facility maintenance and Ground Service Equipment, who also face increasing attempts by the company to outsource their work. “Since our last contract in 2016, over 90 percent of heavy maintenance has been outsourced to foreign countries. That means less work for United Airlines Teamsters and a higher safety risk for United’s passengers,” said Fred Wood, a technician from Local 856 and member of the negotiating committee. “United says safety is the number one priority, but the company has no problem risking safety by using cheap, unlicensed labor to do our work. We are ready to win back this work when we go back to the table next week.” Negotiations will resume on January 21 in San Francisco. The committee’s thoughts continue to remain with United Airlines Teamsters impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles. United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee Hones Training Proposal to be Submitted to the Company The United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee resumed the tenth round of bargaining with the airline on Wednesday. As the union waits for the company’s response to the initial economic package submitted on Tuesday, the committee prioritized discussions regarding Letter of Agreement (LOA) #24 –pay for rank-and-file members who serve as Designated Station Trainers (DST’s) and On the Job Trainers (OJT’s). The Teamsters are calling on United to institute lead pay for full-time DST’s and part-time OJT’s. “Teamsters who serve as full-time and part-time trainers play an indispensable role in ensuring the safety of United’s passengers. They deserve to have the best pay possible for taking on this crucial responsibility,” said United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee Chairman Clacy Griswold. “United has a major incentive to make sure rank-and-file trainers are adequately rewarded for this work. The committee is determined to prevent United from exploiting these workers and ensure that technicians have the training they need to keep the flying public safe.” In addition to fighting for lead pay for trainers, the committee proposed that United limit full-time DST’s to 40 hours of training per week to prevent burnout and ensure consistent, high quality training. “Since trainers are not eligible for overtime pay, the committee wants to ensure that United is not taking advantage of the people responsible for training at stations,” said Patrick Gelato, a technician from Local 19 and member of the negotiating committee. “If United sees a potential need for more training, it should provide more pathways for United Airlines Teamsters to become OJT’s and DST’s instead of overworking the current membership.” The final session for this round of bargaining will take place tomorrow, January 16, before negotiations move to San Francisco next week. The committee’s thoughts continue to be with United Airlines Teamsters impacted by wildfires in Los Angeles. What You Need to Know About the Industry Reset Model As we enter negotiations on economic issues with United Airlines, it’s critical that all technicians come together in solidarity for the industry-leading contract we deserve. Staying informed and engaged is key — especially when misinformation circulates. Recently, we’ve seen an inaccurate chart about reset calculations being shared online and at some stations. Let’s set the record straight:
The chart in question has been corrected below. Inaccurate figures are struck through in red, with the verified numbers provided alongside. The bottom line: this chart, in its original form, is unreliable and fails as a credible comparison of compensation between United, American, and Delta.
We understand the frustration of no longer holding the highest wage rates in the industry. American Airlines mechanics secured a new contract in October, and Delta raised wages earlier this year while continuing its union-busting efforts. United must do a better job of retaining qualified technicians. We know how it affects your day-to-day work when talented young technicians leave for competitors. That’s why this fight is so important. When negotiations resume next month, your committee is going to fight for the best wages in the industry, top-tier health care and retirement benefits, and better working conditions. We are the best technicians in the world, and we deserve nothing less than a standard-setting contract for the sacrifices we endure to help United reach record breaking profits. How You Can Help Winning the strongest contract requires all of us to show strength and unity. Show up for actions and solidarity days. Stay informed about negotiations through your rank-and-file committee members. Push back against rumors and misinformation. Rumors and negativity only divide us and give United Airlines management leverage to delay negotiations. If you have questions, reach out to your shop steward or business agent. Next year, we’ll bring the fight to United Airlines like never before. In Solidarity, Your United Airlines Teamsters National Bargaining Committee United Airlines Teamsters Begin Ninth Round of Bargaining in San Francisco The United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee kicked off the final round of 2024 bargaining on Tuesday in San Francisco. After securing tentative agreements on all but one non-economic article during last month’s bargaining session in Denver, the committee is focused this week on reaching agreements on the final noneconomic issue in the contract as we approach the December 5 amendable date. After reaching an agreement in principle on Article 6: RIF and Recall in September, the committee reached a tentative agreement on the article yesterday. Additionally, after previously requesting critical data from United regarding employee attendance during adverse conditions for Article 7: Hours of Service, the committee received this information from the company and is working towards reaching a tentative agreement on this article as quickly as possible. “The committee has been very clear with United: We cannot go forward without ensuring the physical safety and job security of our members during adverse conditions,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “It’s time to close this chapter of bargaining so we can start our discussion on improving the pay and benefits for United Airlines Teamsters.” The committee also used Tuesday’s session to review the system bid process for United Airlines technicians and began making recommendations to update the process. The committee is fighting for a more transparent process for Teamsters who utilize the bid process to fill vacancies at United stations across the country. “We’ve come a long way from where negotiations began in August, but the company is trying to slow down our momentum by stalling at the bargaining table,” said Sebastian Tyc, a Teamsters Local 210 technician out of Newark Liberty International Airport and member of the negotiating committee. “The committee is unified in getting the best deal possible for our members, and we won’t let United’s tactics get in the way of fighting for the contract we deserve.” Bargaining with United will continue until December 5.
United Airlines Teamsters Kick Off Eighth Round of Bargaining in Denver, Reach Tentative Agreement on Sick Leave Yesterday, the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee began the eighth round of bargaining in Denver. The committee is working diligently to reach agreements on the remaining non-economic articles of the contract so economic bargaining with the carrier can begin. During Tuesday’s session, the committee reached a tentative agreement with the company on Article 11: Leave and Occupational Injury. United must now consider extenuating circumstances, such as worsening illness or injury, when monitoring a Teamster’s use of sick/injured leave. “The committee did a fantastic job of holding United’s feet to the fire and forcing the company to agree to our proposal,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “We look forward to getting what we want on the rest of the open non-economic items as soon as possible.” The committee also received an economic presentation from Teamster economists on Tuesday, highlighting United’s recent profitability, the current state of wages in the industry, and economic factors to consider before bargaining the contract’s economic articles. “We’re eager to get into the mud and negotiate our pay and health care, but we aren’t budging until we reach agreements on the last non-economic items,” said Jasmine Johnson, a technician from Teamsters Local 986 out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and member of the negotiating committee. “Reaching an agreement on sick/injured leave is a good start to this week’s negotiations. We’re going to keep pushing this momentum towards a contract that reflects our value.” United Airlines Teamsters Continue Fight for Teamsters’ Rights in Adverse Conditions and Sick Leave Procedures During yesterday’s bargaining session in Chicago, the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee unanimously voted to advance a proposal on Article 7: Hours of Service. The national negotiating committee proposed a buffer before and after adverse conditions are declared. This will give Teamsters the necessary time to prepare for and recover from extreme events and other acts of nature. The committee is also calling on the company to include station-specific lines of communication dedicated to monitoring adverse conditions and informing Teamsters of a facility’s status. “We are demanding consistent procedures for monitoring, communicating, and operating in adverse conditions,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “Our members deserve nothing less than the company’s maximum effort to ensure their safety. We’ve made a lot of progress with the company on this issue, but nothing is final until it’s in writing.” Additionally, the committee submitted updated language to the company on Article 11: Sick Leave during Wednesdays’ session. Within the new proposal, the union is seeking to protect excused absences for sick or injured Teamsters. The proposal would also prevent the company from using excused absences to negatively impact a Teamster’s dependability record. “Currently, the company has complete discretion to decide what a legitimate use of sick leave is, and it creates a lot of confusion for our members,” said Fred Wood, a Teamsters Local 986 technician out of San Francisco and member of the national bargaining committee. “In our new contract, nobody who is legitimately sick or injured should be considered at risk of violating disciplinary action.” The seventh round of bargaining in Chicago will continue until Thursday, November 7. United Airlines Teamsters Continue to Fight for Safety in Adverse Conditions, Propose Changes to Grievance and Board of Arbitration Procedures – 10.23.24 The United Airlines Teamster National Negotiating Committee resumed negotiations with the carrier on Wednesday. Bargaining continued on United’s procedures during adverse conditions, with the committee fighting to ensure that United Airlines Teamsters are protected from harm as well as potential pay loss and disciplinary actions in the event a facility is impacted by extreme weather or a natural disaster. The committee is also calling for more proactive communication from United during these events so that Teamsters know the status of a facility well in advance of the start of a work shift. “We are making some progress with the company on this issue, but not nearly enough has been done to meet our concerns,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “The rank-and-file committee has shown incredible determination in fighting for these necessary protections for our members. Despite not yet reaching an agreement, we will not back down on our principles or concede anything that compromises the safety or job security of United Airlines Teamsters.” In addition to continuing discussions on adverse conditions, the subcommittee on Grievance and Arbitration reengaged with the company with the goal of better protecting Teamster rights during these procedures. Specifically, the Teamsters are suggesting the parties adopt a System Board of Adjustment process where System Board members can rely on the advice of neutral mediators to streamline the process and not only clear the current backlog of grievances at the carrier but prevent future backlogs from forming. “The committee thinks this is a major opportunity to reimagine these procedures at United for the benefit of rank-and-file Teamsters,” said Scott Stoddart, a technician at Los Angeles International Airport from Local 986 and member of the Teamsters negotiating committee. “We deserve more efficient grievance and adjustment processes without sacrificing our rights, and I look forward to building those procedures with my fellow Teamsters on the committee.” Negotiations will continue in Chicago until October 24. United Teamsters Begin Sixth Round of Bargaining in Chicago – 10.22.24 The United Airlines Teamster National Negotiating Committee kicked off the sixth round of bargaining this week with the carrier in Chicago. Building off the tentative agreement reached during the last round of negotiations on investigatory meetings, the committee is now working towards finalizing the non-economic items of the contract with the company. To start negotiations this week, the committee submitted its counterproposal to the company on procedures for technicians during adverse conditions. The union is calling on United to follow local, state, and federal government authorities during states of emergency and provide technicians with certain protections when conditions impact the safety of facilities. “The committee has been consistent in demanding that United follow government authorities at all levels during natural disasters. With us only weeks removed from the devastation of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, it is especially important now that we get this right for our members,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “United Teamsters should not have to risk their safety or employment during emergencies beyond their control, and we will continue to fight for the protections that they deserve.” “Safety is always our number one priority as technicians. We are responsible for our own safety, the safety of our coworkers, and the safety of the flying public when we come to work,” said Gus Pappas, a technician at Tampa International Airport from Local 769 and member of the Teamsters negotiating committee. “Now United needs to prioritize our health and welfare by agreeing to follow the appropriate authorities during states of emergency and extreme weather events.” The remaining non-economic items for discussion include United’s procedures for sick leave, grievance hearings, and Board of Arbitration hearings. Negotiations will continue in Chicago until October 24. United Teamsters Demand Carrier Follow Expert Guidelines During Extreme Weather Bargaining continues in Chicago between United Airlines and the Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. Yesterday, the union hammered home the need for the company to prioritize the safety of Teamsters during extreme weather events like hurricanes. Teamsters negotiated with the company late into the evening, demanding United recognize local and state authorities during states of emergency and allow technicians certain protections under the “Adverse—Open” designation. “It’s worrisome that the carrier believes they are better equipped to determine what an adverse weather condition is than local and state authorities,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. "United Airlines Teamsters should not have to worry about the status of their employment as they prepare for states of emergency, and we will fight with the company until that is a reality." New Subcommittee Formed to Create System Bidding Process United Airlines Teamsters are also fighting for improvements to the carrier’s proposal for a new bidding process for technicians. After the company presented its program for the system bidding process, the union formed a new subcommittee with the goal of building a more transparent, accessible, and informational bid procedure. The subcommittee’s first task is to compile a list of demands to submit to the carrier for future discussion. "Our concern with United’s proposed system is that it takes away the notifications we get when a system bid is open. As of now, we stand to lose our biggest benefit of the current process with United’s new program," said Jasmine Johnson, a member of Teamsters Local 986 from Seattle/Tacoma International Airport serving on the national negotiating committee. “We are not going to give up the notification system we rely on. I’m looking forward to building a more inclusive and transparent bid process with the company.” Negotiations in Chicago will continue until September 26. United Teamsters Begin Fourth Round of Bargaining in Chicago The fight for safety and fairness continues as the Teamsters began the fourth round of negotiations with United Airlines in Chicago yesterday. Fresh off last week's partial tentative agreement on field trips, United is already backpedaling, raising objections to the definition of field trips and trying to water down protections for ground service and facility technicians. But the Teamsters aren’t backing down at the table. “After agreeing to a major safety provision for Teamsters at United last week, the carrier is once again slow-walking negotiations," said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. "For years, our members have been risking their personal safety on these field trips. We won’t rest until every single United Airlines Teamster gets the safety protections they deserve." Teamsters Demand United Follows Government Guidelines during Severe Weather United Airlines Teamsters are demanding the carrier address safety concerns around severe weather and emergencies. The union insists the airline follow government guidelines, especially during dangerous events like hurricanes, instead of putting technicians in harm’s way by relying on company policies. Currently, United can force Teamsters to work even when local authorities say it’s too dangerous. Rank-and-file Teamsters on the negotiating committee are calling on the company to prioritize safety in the next contract. "United has a troubling habit of ignoring local safety warnings during extreme weather," said Gus Pappas, a member of Teamsters Local 769 serving on the National Negotiating Committee. "Time after time, we are left in the dark with no information from United, unsure if it’s even safe to show up. Safety is our number one priority, and we expect United to care as much about our lives as it does about its passengers.” Negotiations in Chicago will continue until September 26.
Teamsters Conclude Third Round of Bargaining in Denver Today, the Teamsters concluded the third round of negotiations with United Airlines in Denver, Colorado. The newly formed subcommittee on Article 12: Field Trips continued discussions with the company about safety procedures for Teamsters who are sent to work at other stations, reaching a partial tentative agreement with the carrier that requires two Teamsters employees to be present on all United-related service requests for field trips. “After intense back and forth with the company the last two days, this provision will greatly improve Teamsters’ safety on the job,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “We have been trying for over a decade to get this critical safety provision included in our contract, and it’s because of the unity of our negotiating committee we were finally able to get the company to agree.” Subcommittees Continue to Press United on Key Issues In addition to the subcommittee on Article 12: Field Trips, the subcommittees on Article 18 on Union Security and Representation; Article 19 on Grievance Procedure; and Article 20 on Board of Arbitration continued their discussions with the company on Tuesday. Despite sharing vital economic data with the National Negotiating Committee, United continues to stall on key issues like arbitration and grievance procedures. But the Teamsters are intensifying their efforts at the bargaining table and holding the company accountable. “If the last two days have taught us anything, it’s that United is feeling the pressure. The subcommittees on key issues are doing fantastic work keeping the focus on reaching agreements as soon as possible,” said Jimmy Sligar, a mechanic from Local 19 and member of the National Negotiating Committee. “United can try its best to delay bargaining, but the unity shown by the committee this week will propel us forward to the industry leading contract we deserve.” Negotiations will resume in Chicago on Sept. 24. To keep informed and engaged, download the Teamsters Airline Division app at http://ibt.io/AirlineDivisionApp.
UNITED AIRLINES CONTRACT CAMPAIGN KICKOFF CALL - THIS TUESDAY General President Sean M. O’Brien, General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman, and the Teamsters Airline Division will hold a campaign kickoff call with United Airlines technicians on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024. We will discuss our goals for a new Teamsters contract at United Airlines and our strategy for getting the best possible collective bargaining agreement at the carrier. We urge all rank-and-file Teamsters to register for this call and participate to hear important updates from O’Brien, Zuckerman, and other leaders from the International. Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. CT / 2:20 p.m. MT / 1:30 p.m. PT Register at http://ibt.io/ualzoom618 or scan the QR code below. United Airlines Update as of March 1, 2024:
February 29, 2024 Your United Airlines Mechanics and Related Rank-and-File Negotiating Committee recently met at Teamsters Local 19 in Houston to go over the agreement in principle (AIP), with the hope of converting the AIP into a tentative agreement (TA). We spent the day reviewing all the terms of the agreement with our attorney, Josh McInerney, as well as the compensation and benefit proposals with our economist Kyle Schoembs. As previously stated, this process consists of reviewing all work groups’ "Schedule A” charts and confirming the accuracy of the basic and all-in rates. During our review process this week, we found some discrepancies that needed to be addressed and rectified to reflect the proposal. After conversations with the company, these items were cleared up. Our attorney went over all the language items again with us to make sure we understood it. The rank-and-file members discussed the company’s proposal and ultimately voted that the employer’s offer was significant enough to warrant a referendum by the membership. At this time, we have a TA on an extension to our collective bargaining agreement. We are hoping to have details available to all next week while Mr. Schoembs goes over the wages once more (in order to make sure they are correct for every group represented within the bargaining unit). The voting process on this TA will begin in a couple of weeks, with the conclusion projected to be sometime in mid-April. Ratification will be conducted electronically, using the same process as January of last year. The complete voting timeline will come from the Teamsters Airline Division once the logistics are finalized. Please be patient as we prepare to get the complete TA ready for you next week. In solidarity, Your United Airlines Mechanics and Related Rank-and-File Negotiating Committee |
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The Reality of Where We Stand
