(Washington, D.C.) – Teamsters employed by Air Express International (AEI) have overwhelmingly approved a one-year contract extension that protects health, welfare and pension benefits and provides a $750 bonus.

The contract-extension was approved by a margin of 84-16 percent. The contract covers 800 workers.

Due to substantial operational changes that are likely coming to the AEI stations later this year, the Teamsters National AEI Negotiating Committee determined that the one-year contract extension was needed to allow more time to investigate and evaluate the company’s new business model and its potential impact on workers’ jobs.

“The Teamsters Union continues to meet with management and we continue to closely monitor the changes being proposed to make sure our members’ jobs are protected,” said Bill Hamilton, Director of the Teamsters Express Division. “We have requested extensive information from the company and our team of experts continues to diligently investigate all the issues.”

In exchange for the union’s agreeing to the extension, AEI agreed to maintain participation in all existing health, welfare and pension funds with an increase in the contribution rate of up to $1 per hour effective as soon as payable with a $750 bonus for all employees, including those on layoff list, to be paid within 30 days of ratification of the extension. The ratified extension is effective through March 31, 2014, although the union anticipates reaching a tentative agreement with AEI well in advance of that expiration date.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

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