The former mechanics and related of America West know what Teamster power looks like. Long before AWA merged with US Airways in 2005, AWA mechanics became Teamsters in 1996. Just after mechanics won Teamster representation, AWA proceeded to shut down C-checks and some heavy checks in Phoenix as it contested the election.

The outsourcing in Phoenix – resulting in 500 furloughs – was blatant retaliation against AWA mechanics who led the campaign for the Teamsters.

The Teamsters immediately sprang into action to defend mechanics, mounting a legal battle that ended up in federal court. The union prevailed, resulting in the return of heavy maintenance work that was outsourced. The award also included offers for jobs to all laid off mechanics and monetary compensation to the individual plaintiffs in the case. Also, prior to the election, AWA had terminated 300 mechanics in an effort to keep the Teamsters out. A Ninth Circuit ruling upheld the NMB representation election that included those laid off mechanics in the vote, defeating the company’s bid to deny recognition to the union.

Also, in 2003 the Teamsters triumphed in another case charging AWA with violating the contract by slashing sick time accruals in half, denying mechanics earned sick days. The arbitrator, who agreed with the Teamsters that AWA was violating the contract, awarded $1 million in owed sick time denied to mechanics from January 2002 to December 2003. It was also determined that AWA had to revert back to the original sick leave accrual and usage plan set forth in the contract, costing the company an additional $650,000 per year in sick time thereafter.

This is the kind of tough Teamster representation we can look forward to at American Airlines. We just need to get more Teamster cards signed, move to the election and vote in the Teamsters. Let’s make it happen!

With the TEAMSTERS We Can WIN!

For more information, visit the AA Mechanics for Teamsters campaign website or call 877-589-4951

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