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.