(CHICAGO) – United Airlines [NYSE: UAL] aviation maintenance technicians and related support personnel rallied outside the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting in Chicago today to warn investors and customers of problems at the airline.

More than 9,000 Teamster aviation maintenance workers are seeking a fair collective bargaining agreement. The workers’ last contract became amendable in January 2013. 

The maintenance workers, who are critical to the airline’s operations, are losing patience as the company drags its feet on reaching a fair collective bargaining agreement five years after the United-Continental merger announcement.

“United-Continental workers, shareholders and customers have been loyal through tough times. They have shouldered the burden of myriad problems—including integration and customer service issues—that have taken a toll on United’s earnings and reputation,” said David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “The company appears willing to risk United’s turnaround by provoking a labor dispute with its aircraft maintenance technicians and related workers. And the timing couldn’t be worse.”

United Airlines came in last among traditional carriers in the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey released in May. 

“As employees and shareholders of this company, we have a long-term interest in the success of the airline and it’s time for management to do the right thing and offer us a well-deserved, industry-leading contract,” said John Laurin, a 29-year United Airlines maintenance technician.

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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