As negotiations continue with United Airlines in Denver, the Teamsters United Airlines National Negotiating Committee is proud to announce movement on a critical issue related to job security during this round of bargaining.
During the opening of this week’s negotiations, Teamsters demanded changes to Article 6, increasing furlough protections for United Airlines Teamsters. After pressuring the company, the union is proud to announce that the carrier has tentatively agreed to increase the timeline for Teamsters’ recall rights from six years to 10 years.
“Thanks to the unity of the negotiating committee, United Airlines has tentatively agreed to one of our most significant demands so far,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “We still have a lot to fight for as bargaining continues, but this tentative agreement serves as a testament to the dedication and determination of our rank-and-file members."
Safety is a Top Teamsters Priority
Teamsters continue to demand that United Airlines make serious movement on every issue, including increased safety measures. Discussed today were provisions in Article 12, which includes safety procedures during field trips for Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMTs). The union is fighting to have a minimum of two members on all field trips to ensure the safety of technicians and prevent injuries on the job.
“Being an AMT is an immense responsibility. Every day, we show up to work in conditions that put our physical health at risk,” said Patrick Gelato, a rank-and-file bargaining committee member representing Local 19. “We can’t work if we get hurt on the job, and having another technician with us on field trips provides an extra level of protection and communication in the event something does happen. Safety should be the top priority on both sides of the table, and we will fight in order to get the protections at work we deserve.”
The subcommittees continued discussions with the company today to address Article 18 on Union Security and Representation; Article 19 on Grievance Procedure; and Article 20 on Board of Arbitration. The union aims to make progress on these issues before this round of bargaining ends.
The second round of negotiations with United Airlines will continue through Thursday, August 22. To keep informed and engaged, download the Teamsters Airline Division App at http://ibt.io/AirlineDivisionApp.