United Teamsters Demand Carrier Follow Expert Guidelines During Extreme Weather

Bargaining continues in Chicago between United Airlines and the Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. Yesterday, the union hammered home the need for the company to prioritize the safety of Teamsters during extreme weather events like hurricanes. Teamsters negotiated with the company late into the evening, demanding United recognize local and state authorities during states of emergency and allow technicians certain protections under the “Adverse—Open” designation. 

“It’s worrisome that the carrier believes they are better equipped to determine what an adverse weather condition is than local and state authorities,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. "United Airlines Teamsters should not have to worry about the status of their employment as they prepare for states of emergency, and we will fight with the company until that is a reality." 

New Subcommittee Formed to Create System Bidding Process

United Airlines Teamsters are also fighting for improvements to the carrier’s proposal for a new bidding process for technicians. After the company presented its program for the system bidding process, the union formed a new subcommittee with the goal of building a more transparent, accessible, and informational bid procedure. The subcommittee’s first task is to compile a list of demands to submit to the carrier for future discussion. 

"Our concern with United’s proposed system is that it takes away the notifications we get when a system bid is open. As of now, we stand to lose our biggest benefit of the current process with United’s new program," said Jasmine Johnson, a member of Teamsters Local 986 from Seattle/Tacoma International Airport serving on the national negotiating committee. “We are not going to give up the notification system we rely on. I’m looking forward to building a more inclusive and transparent bid process with the company.” 

Negotiations in Chicago will continue until September 26.