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.