Letter Regarding United's Counter Proposal

Dear United Airlines Teamsters,

United Airlines came to the table last week and showed nothing but contempt for our union. The company apparently has no intention of reaching a fair deal that reflects the value of our hard work. United management is embarrassed and frustrated because we refuse to back down from our position for a strong contract.

Last week, United presented an insulting proposal to gut wages and outsource critical maintenance to China and South America.

United’s proposal is so offensive that you, the members, need to see it for yourself.

We are asking one question — would you work under the terms and conditions proposed by United last week?

This is not a ratification vote because this proposal is not a last, best, and final contract offer from United. There is no tentative agreement. But this is a wake-up call to United, its shareholders, and the flying public.

United’s profits are soaring, and executives are predicting continued financial success. United has the money to agree to an industry-leading contract. Instead, management pursues endless delays, low offers, and scare tactics about economic uncertainty.

United wants the Teamsters to accept wage cuts and to watch our work get shipped overseas. It’s time to fight back. Participate in this poll and VOTE NO on United’s latest proposal. Help make sure United cannot ignore our loud, collective voice.

The Teamsters Union needs all members at United to reject this horrific proposal.

With this vote, let’s show United how fed up we are. We know our worth. And we won’t settle for less when United executives and shareholders are cashing in off our hard labor.

Your Teamsters negotiating committee urges you to VOTE NO on United’s latest insulting proposal.

In Solidarity,

United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee

United Airlines Teamsters Letter 2/13/25

BARGAINING COMMITTEE UPDATE AND NOTICE OF VOTE ON UNITED’S CONCESSIONARY CONTRACT PROPOSAL

Dear United Airlines Teamsters,

United needs a reality check. On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, United Airlines presented the Committee with its economic proposal and a term sheet proposal regarding other open items. United’s proposal was intended to be the equivalent of a hot poker in the eyes of the membership.

United believes the membership would treat its packaged proposals as one that the members would work under for the next six years. It appears that the overwhelming rejection of the April 17, 2024, Extension Agreement was not enough to convince United that the membership will not accept substandard contractual terms. We therefore are submitting United’s February 12, 2025, proposals, along with already tentatively agreed to provisions, to the membership for a vote. In this vote, which will be conducted in the very near future, we are asking the membership to vote whether they would work under United’s proposed concessionary six-year contract or whether they would reject it.

As the attached slide prepared by our economists shows, United’s economic proposal contains technician rates that are well below market rates for technicians, which have increased dramatically since the rejected April 17, 2024, Extension Agreement. United’s February 12, 2025, Date-of Signing rates are identical to rates contained in the rejected Extension Agreement. It repackaged the rates by rolling the VEBA payments directly into the technician rates, thereby effectively eliminating the VEBA itself. At the end of United’s proposed six-year contract, the technician rates would be approximately ten (10) cents greater than the rates that would have been in effect at the end of the 4-year term of the rejected Extension Agreement. United stated that its economic proposal was reasonable and competitive. The Committee strongly disagreed and informed United that their economic proposal was so far out of sync with market rates that it is an insult to the membership. United’s negotiators stuck to their position that its economic proposal is reasonable and competitive.

United’s proposal contains other provisions that are equally unacceptable and equally insulting to the membership. For example, United proposes eliminating the CARP Plan and replacing it with a cash balance plan, putting our members at a great disadvantage. It also eliminates retiree Bridge Medical, eliminates the medical plan’s default PPO plan, and places a 70/30 cost-sharing burden on the technicians, which is currently 80/20. United also intends to encourage non-A&P-licensed technicians to work on the floor, eliminate PCL across all stations, and extend the time it takes to reach top-of-scale pay.

With respect to Scope, United refuses to restore any heavy maintenance lines anywhere across the system. United emphasized this point by proposing to eliminate the Base Protections contained in the current collective bargaining agreement. United currently outsources approximately 85 percent of its heavy maintenance to foreign repair stations in China and South America. The Union made a good faith proposal to bring more heavy maintenance checks back to the United States. However, United outright rejected the Union’s proposal and responded by threatening to take away certain job protections that already exist, effectively forcing us to bargain against ourselves if negotiations continued based off United’s response.

While United’s proposals include a few modest improvements over the current contract, such as increasing the moving allowance to $14,000, the proposals in total are concessionary and unacceptable. As noted above, United insists that its proposals are reasonable and competitive. We told United that we would let the members decide whether the proposals are reasonable and competitive, and we are confident the membership will agree with us that the proposals are not only unacceptable, but also completely out of touch with reality. United seeks to impose punishing concessions on this membership while the company is making historic profits and stock has more than doubled in the last six months.

The Committee urges each and every member of this bargaining unit to VOTE NO on the company’s proposals. While this vote is not a contract ratification vote, it is nevertheless crucial that all the membership participate in this vote so that United will finally understand that the membership has had enough of their nonsense. A NO VOTE will represent a loud and clear message that United must get serious – and realistic - with these contract negotiations and bargain in good faith.

In Solidarity,

Your United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee

United Airlines Bargaining Update 2/12/25

United Airlines Teamsters Strongly Reject Company’s Insulting Counterproposal

After weeks of delays by United Airlines in responding to Teamsters’ contract proposals, the company presented an outrageous counterproposal to the committee on Wednesday. 

United’s scope of work proposal urges a dangerous policy of outsourcing heavy maintenance work to China and South America. United is now offering lower wage rates than in its last tentative agreement, which was overwhelmingly rejected by members. United’s latest proposal includes absurd provisions like demanding workers waive their sick leave rights protected by state law. 

At the table, the Teamsters told United that its current counterproposal is a joke. 

The union committee is discussing the next steps to address United’s blatant disrespect of its workforce. More details to come.

United Airlines Bargaining Update 2/11/25

United Airlines Teamsters Await Company Response on Economic Proposal

On Tuesday, the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee began the twelfth round of bargaining with the company in Minneapolis. During the session, the committee held initial discussions about potentially rejoining the Federal Aviation Administration’s Tech Ops Safety Action Program (TSAP) and Line Operation Safety Assessment (LOSA) program. The committee will not agree to participation in these programs until they are guaranteed to be non-punitive for all United Airlines Teamsters. 

After submitting the union’s initial economic proposal in January, the committee was informed during Tuesday’s session that a response to the proposal will be delivered by United on Wednesday. 

“The committee is eager to hear United’s response to our economic proposal and advance negotiations for our members,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “Wednesday will be our first opportunity to see where the company wants to take this process. Regardless of what is presented, the committee will not rest until we win the contract United Airlines Teamsters have earned.” 

“We have been more than patient with the company as they consider our initial economic proposal submitted last month,” said Jimmy Sligar, a technician from Local 19 and member of the negotiating committee. “We came to Minneapolis prepared to fight tooth and nail for our members. The committee will be ready for whatever United wants to throw at us when we get our response.”

United Airlines Bargaining Update 1/24/25

United Airlines Teamsters Conclude Eleventh Round of Bargaining in San Francisco

The United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee concluded the eleventh round of bargaining in San Francisco on Thursday. After submitting the initial economic and scope of work proposals to the company on Wednesday, the committee used Thursday’s bargaining session to strategize for the next round of negotiations in February.

Following a presentation from Teamsters Industrial Hygienist Frances Mensah regarding language in the current contract, the committee began formulating the union’s upcoming safety proposal to United. The committee also received word from the company that it would not have a response to the union’s economic and scope of work proposals during this round of bargaining, but we are expecting a counter from United during the next bargaining session.

“The committee did a fantastic job this week of staying unified and advocating for our proposals,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “Now that our initial scope and economic proposals are submitted, the ball is in United’s court. The committee hopes to build on this week’s progress when we meet again with the company next month.”

“We had a very productive week of bargaining in San Francisco,” said Ron Forziati, a technician from Local 25 and a member of the negotiating committee. “The committee is ready to move the process forward and win the contract we deserve as soon as possible. The company has a lot to answer for when we meet for negotiations next month.”

The next round of bargaining will begin February 11 in Minneapolis.

United Airlines Bargaining Update 1/23/25

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 Bargaining Update 1/22/25

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 Bargaining Update 1/17/25

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 Bargaining Update 1/15/25

The United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee has resumed bargaining with the airline this week, kicking off the tenth round of negotiations and first for 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. 

After reaching tentative agreements on an overwhelming majority of noneconomic proposals in previous sessions, the committee is now focused on winning a full tentative agreement from United on the economic articles. During Tuesday’s session, the committee voted to advance the union’s initial economic proposals, including substantial pay increases and lower health care costs, to the company for discussion this week. 

“The committee has displayed great unity in getting the economic proposals ready for bargaining and I am proud of the enthusiasm they have for taking our proposals right to United’s doorstep,” said United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee Chairman Clacy Griswold. “We are ready to fight tooth and nail to reach tentative agreements with the company. One way or another, we will win the contract that United Airlines Teamsters have earned.” 

In addition to fighting for better pay and lower health care costs, the committee is demanding that United return all Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) work back to the United States. 

“United Airlines claims to prioritize safety, but nearly every time we work on a plane that was outsourced to another country, we see major issues that we have to repair,” said Dave Mahood, a technician from Local 210 and member of the negotiating committee. “United needs to stop outsourcing labor for pennies on the dollar and bring that work back here. It is not just disrespectful to United Airlines Teamsters. It’s unsafe for the passengers we serve to keep outsourcing critical MRO work to unlicensed stations overseas.” 

The tenth round of negotiations will continue until January 16.  The eleventh round of negotiations was to be in Los Angeles, but the current situation with the wildfires has moved next week’s negotiations to San Francisco starting January 21. The committee’s thoughts are with all United Airlines Teamsters impacted by wildfires in Los Angeles.

PLEASE READ: Teamsters Airline Division on TSAP/LOSA Participation

To all Teamsters at United Airlines:

The Tech Ops Safety Action Program (TSAP) is a Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Aviation Administration, United Airlines, and the Teamsters. The primary purpose of the program is to identify safety events and to implement corrective measures that reduce circumstances where safety could be compromised. The program is intended to foster a voluntary, cooperative, non-punitive environment for United technicians who want to report safety concerns. Through such open reporting, all parties have access to valuable safety information that may not otherwise be obtainable. 

The soul of the program is built on trust. Unfortunately, because United has been using information from the TSAP program to retaliate against Teamsters members, the erosion of that trust has jeopardized our participation in the program. For this reason, we have withdrawn from TSAP. We have also withdrawn from the Line Operations Safety Assessment Program (LOSA). 

United has responded to our concerns by claiming that at most locations, there are no retaliatory actions taken by management and TSAP works effectively for the members. However, at the small number of stations where this has occurred, retaliation has been defended by a change to the MOU that the company made. This change could easily impact all members at all stations. The Teamsters cannot encourage complete transparency from our members at United when there is a chance that full cooperation could negatively impact them. The company’s’ suggestion that unjust discipline will be limited to a small number of members is not acceptable. If we allow the injury of one to go unchallenged, it is only a matter of time before the company turns on all of us. 

The only way to beat United’s transgressions is with a show of solidarity for our brothers and sisters at every station. The company has recently requested additional conversations on the subject, and we will engage with the hope of saving both TSAP and LOSA, but only if we get a guarantee that the program remain non-punitive for all members at all stations. 

Teamsters don’t tolerate retaliation. We urge each of you to stand with us and continue to withhold cooperation with these programs. Now is the time to come together to prevent the company from chipping away at our contract, our agreements, and the protections within. 

In solidarity, 

Dave Saucedo
Director, Under-the-Wing
Teamsters Airline Division  

United Airlines Teamsters Update on TSAP and LOSA

Dear United Airlines Teamsters,

As negotiations with United Airlines continue, the Teamsters Airline Division has an important update for you regarding our participation in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Tech-Ops Safety Action Program (TSAP) and the United Airlines Line Operations Safety Assessment (LOSA) voluntary program. 

In exchange for open and candid reports, our members require assurances that this transparency will not be used against them in any way. We have communicated this to UAL and have patiently waited for any type of agreement or even acknowledgment to our requests to remedy our dispute. 

We have waited long enough. 

Moving forward, United Airlines Teamsters will not participate in TSAP or LOSA programs because the carrier has failed to ensure that our members will not be punished for voluntarily using the program. This is in spite of claims by the carrier and the FAA that participation in the TSAP program is non-punitive. 

Regarding LOSA, the company has refused all requests to standardize the program and honor their commitments. United has refused our demands for high level meetings and looks to continue abusing TSAP and LOSA as a way of punishing Teamsters for voluntarily reporting safety issues. 

Teamsters will not stand by and allow our members to be put at risk of unjust discipline by accepting United’s conditions for staying in the programs. As of this notice, we encourage all United Teamsters to reject cooperation in LOSA at all line stations. 

If an incident requires reporting, you are encouraged to utilize the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) found on the NASA (.gov) site. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to your local shop steward for more information. 

In Solidarity, 

Teamsters Airline Division

United Airlines Bargaining Update SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

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: 

1. The circulated chart is not credible. It relies on outdated data, flawed calculations, incorrect assumptions, and poor methodology. 

2. The facts tell a different story. The current total value of our compensation is significantly higher than the 2024 average at American Airlines and Delta. Thus, our current compensation exceeds the two percent threshold that triggers a reset payment under the 2024 Reset Model.

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.

The Reality of Where We Stand

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 2024 Industry Reset Model Update

The United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee is working hard to reach a tentative agreement for a strong new contract for the membership.

Because our reset calculation shows us to be above our competitors by a substantial enough margin, wages for United Airlines technicians will not increase as part of the 2024 Industry Reset Model.

This model was created to ensure the value of the United technicians agreement is at least 102 percent of the average pay and benefits received by technicians at American Airlines and Delta Airlines. The 2024 Reset Model showed that United technician pay and benefits are above the threshold needed to trigger an adjustment to our wage scales.

The Reset Model considers five factors to assess the total value of the United technicians agreement. This value is then compared to the average value of the same five factors for technicians at American and Delta.

The five elements are:

1. Pay – Technicians all-in wage rate (scale rates, A&P Licenses Premium, Line Premium and Longevity Premium) and VEBA

2. Paid Time Off – vacation, sick, and holidays

3. Benefits – employer’s medical cost share and retirement contribution

4. Profit Sharing – applies the profit-sharing percentage to annual United Airlines pre-tax profits

5. Scope – the ratio of Technicians heads per mainline aircraft

Since the December 2022 reset, rates for top-of-scale technicians have increased by 18.0 percent at United, 8.4 percent at Delta, and 3.6 percent at American. Together, the average wage increase for American and Delta technicians is 6.0 percent since the reset was calculated in 2022.

The value of our contract is also higher due to United technicians paying lower medical premiums, earning more paid vacation time, and receiving more holidays and sick leave than the average of American and Delta technicians. It should be noted that the wage rates recently won by American Airlines technicians do not take effect until January 1, 2025, and are not allowed, per the CBA, to be used in the current Reset Model.

Additionally, the Reset Model analysis is run every 12 months after the United contract amendable date (12/05/24) to ensure that United technicians remain above the average of American and Delta during the bargaining period. This is a unique contract provision, not often seen in our industry, that provides the opportunity for wage increases during the negotiation process. With this unique contract provision, United technicians ensure that their total compensation remain at least 102 percent the average of American and Delta throughout the negotiation process

United Airlines Bargaining Update 12/4/24

United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee Defers Final Noneconomic Proposals, Pushes Forward Towards Economic Discussion

The United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee continued bargaining on Wednesday with the company, finalizing the last bargaining session before the contract’s December 5 amendable date. After starting the process of revamping the system bid protocol and finally receiving data from the company regarding the attendance of United Airlines Teamsters during adverse conditions, the committee decided to revisit these issues until later in the negotiating process. Negotiations on Article 5: Filling of Vacancies and Article 7: Hours of Service will continue after bargaining on the contract’s economic issues are complete.  

“We came ready to finalize the noneconomic items, but United so far has not shown the same sense of urgency or respect for the process as the committee,” said Clacy Griswold, Committee Chairman. “With the amendable date on December 5, we have no time to deal with the company's games. Its time for economic discussions.”

 Wednesday’s bargaining session comes on the heels of United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby announcing a $500 million expansion for the carrier at Washington-Dulles International Airport. The committee is planning to use this announcement and other recent developments at United as a proof point for industry-leading wages and benefits when economic negotiations begin.

 “United is not shy about advertising its recent success and profitability in the media, yet it won’t even agree to our noneconomic proposals at the table,” said Joe Prisco, a Teamsters Local 986 technician out of San Francisco International Airport and member of the negotiating committee. “We can’t afford to delay the economic discussion any longer. The committee is ready to win the contract we have earned for helping United reach record profits.”

 Bargaining with United will continue until December 5.

United Airlines Bargaining Update 12/3/24

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 Bargaining Update 11/15/24

United Airlines Teamsters Conclude Eighth Round of Bargaining in Denver, Reaches Agreement in Principle on Grievance Procedure, Board of Arbitration

The United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee concluded the eighth round of bargaining with the company Thursday in Denver by locking in critical victories. After reaching a tentative agreement on Article 11: Sick Leave and Occupational Injury on Tuesday, the committee won an agreement in principle with the company on Articles 19 and 20: Grievance Procedure and Board of Arbitration. 

Thanks to the unwavering advocacy and determination of the negotiating committee, United is now required to provide the union with all documents that it plans to use at all stages of the grievance process upon the Teamsters’ request. This will provide more transparency into the company’s actions during disciplinary cases and ensure that United Airlines Teamsters involved in the process are not blindsided by surprise charges or claims by the carrier. The committee also successfully obtained a provision to add a neutral facilitator to provide unbiased, non-binding advice to the System Board during grievance procedures. 

“For months, we have been fighting tooth and nail with the company to ensure United Airlines Teamsters have a more level playing field during the grievance process, and we won thanks to the determination of rank-and-file committee members,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “This was a fantastic week of bargaining, and we can now declare victory by reaching agreements for some of the most contentious issues in the contract.” 

The last remaining non-economic issue to negotiate is Article 7: Hours of Service. As part of their fight to ensure technicians aren’t forced to report to work during natural disasters and other emergencies, the union is demanding United provide critical data regarding the number of United Airlines Teamsters affected when the employer formally declares a facility is open during adverse conditions. 

“We are extremely close to moving towards negotiating our pay and health care, but we are not going to put the cart before the horse, which is exactly what United wants,” said Martin Acosta, a Teamsters Local 769 technician out of Orlando International Airport and member of the negotiating committee. “The committee is not going to agree to something without having all the information available. If United really wants to move this process forward, it will provide the data we are asking for.” 

The next round of negotiations will take place in San Francisco from December 3-5. The committee aims to complete bargaining on non-economic matters by the end of the next session

United Airlines Bargaining Update 11/14/24

Pressure Mounts as United Airlines Teamsters Push Carrier to Accept Final Non-Economic Proposals

The United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee continued bargaining with the company on Wednesday in Denver. After reaching a tentative agreement on Article 11: Sick Leave and Occupational Injury on Tuesday, the committee is working to reach agreements on the final two non-economic articles remaining in the contract. These include Article 7: Hours of Service, and the bundled Article 18/19/20: Union Representation, Grievance, and Board of Arbitration.

During Wednesday’s session, the committee submitted additional suggestions for changes to United’s System Board of Adjustment process. The committee is demanding that United agree to include a neutral facilitator during this process to help alleviate the current backlog of Grievance Review Panel cases at the company and prevent future jams during the process.  

“We have a backlog of Grievance Review Panel hearings that need resolution,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “A neutral facilitator can help break these deadlocks and get our members back to work. We’ve been negotiating this process for months—now it’s time for United to meet us on this so we can wrap up non-economic issues and tackle the rest of the contract.”

In addition to having a neutral facilitator for the Grievance Review Panel process, the national negotiating committee is fighting to ensure that the company cannot abuse these procedures by using non-contract language to determine the status of each grievance case.

“In the past, the company has used cracks in the contract to change the process at random and stun our members before we have a chance to state our case,” said Dave Mahood, a technician from Teamsters Local 210 out of Newark Liberty International Airport and member of the negotiating committee. “But the committee is determined to make it so United can’t circumvent the process any longer. We won’t move forward until we can all agree on the same language for our grievance process.”

Negotiations in Denver will continue until Thursday, November 14.

United Airlines Bargaining Update 11/13/24

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 Bargaining Update 11/8/24

United Airlines Teamsters Conclude Seventh Round of Bargaining, Reach Agreement in Principle on RIF and Recall

Yesterday, the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee concluded the seventh round of bargaining in Chicago. During Thursday’s session, the committee reached an agreement in principle with the company on Article 6: RIF and Recall. In the agreement, the union successfully revised United’s Reduction in Force and Recall provisions to enhance Teamsters’ job protections and furlough rights when the company reduces the number of employees at a given station.

Specifically, the agreement in principle provides protections for furloughed Teamsters to keep their recall rights at their home station, even if they fill a vacancy at another station within the same point. Additionally, it allows for Teamsters to exercise Craft Seniority if United transfers work between stations, allowing members to transfer to the new location before vacancies are filled by new hires.

“I’m proud of the committee for standing together and sticking to its guns on this important Teamster issue,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “Thanks to the determination of the negotiating committee, United Airlines Teamsters will have more protections than ever before if the company decides to reduce the workforce.”

“This wasn’t easy to get, but we refused to give up. It is a fantastic win for our members,” said Ron Forziati, a Teamsters Local 25 technician out of Boston and member of the national bargaining committee. “Even if the company initiates furloughs, the provisions we gained will help protect our jobs, increase the options we have on the table, and reduce the stress on our families in such an event.”

The eighth round of bargaining will take place in Denver next week from November 12-14.

Teamsters Push Back on Changes to F117 Engine Program at San Francisco International Airport

For over two decades, United Airlines Teamsters at the San Francisco Maintenance Center's Engine Shop have been contracted to maintain and repair the Pratt & Whitney F117 engines that power the C-17 Globemaster for the U.S. Air Force. This work is a source of pride for technicians at SFO, many of whom are U.S. military veterans. However, United recently announced that it will not renew its contract with Pratt & Whitney after it expires in 2027, ending work for Teamsters on the C-17 Globemaster and impacting over 100 technicians at SFO who are currently working on F117 engines. 

“It is outrageous that United Airlines decided unilaterally not to extend this contract with Pratt & Whitney. This decision was made without consulting the Teamsters who are on the ground working on these engines, who would have raised objections to it. It’s unacceptable and unpatriotic,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. 

The Teamsters are demanding the company hold a town hall with United upper-level management to address rank-and-file members at SFO regarding the loss of the Pratt & Whitney contract and additional concerns with the carrier outsourcing work. 

“We have already seen our work on United planes outsourced to other countries, so the news that the company is ending our only non-United work in San Francisco is extremely upsetting,” said Fred Wood, a machinist at SFO and member of Teamsters Local 986. “United needs to meet with us in-person now so that we can raise our concerns directly.”