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.