Press Releases
American Airlines Workers with Teamsters, CWA Ratify Groundbreaking Agreement
(WASHINGTON) – Passenger service workers with American Airlines, who are members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) and Communications Workers of America (CWA) Association, have voted to ratify a groundbreaking five-year agreement. The contract covering nearly 15,000 workers provides for initial average wage increases of 30 percent and improved benefits, among a number of other industry-leading gains.
“We are excited to announce the ratification of this agreement for passenger service workers at American Airlines,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “The IBT/CWA Association bargaining committee was committed to negotiating the best contract for our members in honor of their dedicated service to the airline and we have achieved our goal.”
The agreement includes average wage increases of 30 percent effective Dec. 7, 2015. The contract includes annual step increases for the first 12 years of service and guaranteed raises on each anniversary of the contract signing for the next four years. Wage increases after the initial average 30 percent pay bump are an aggregate 9 percent over the term of the contract. In addition, the agreement includes industry-leading shift differential pay increases.
The workers will also see improvements in scheduling and overtime language; increases in premium and overtime pay; increased employer contributions to their retirement; and all passenger service employees will receive 12 paid sick days per year.
There will be no furloughs to the street during the term of the agreement, offering job protection to passenger service workers. A substantial number of contractors will be eliminated and the work returned to the passenger service workers. Passenger service workers on payroll on the signing date of the agreement at smaller stations will also have their jobs protected from outsourcing.
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 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.