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United Airlines Negotiations Update
Teamsters Wrap Up First Bargaining Session in Chicago
The Teamsters made significant progress for a strong new contract as bargaining began with United Airlines in Chicago on August 8. Every proposal in the union’s opening non-economic offer was presented across the table to the company.
“This is my first bargaining session, and I’m looking forward to getting a record contract as smoothly and quickly as we can,” said Jimmy Sligar, a rank-and-file bargaining committee member from Teamsters Local 19 in Houston. “The union has a great committee, and we presented proposals to the company that are really strong.”
Tentative Agreement Won on Tool Insurance
In the first round of negotiations, the United Airlines Teamsters national committee secured its first tentative agreement as the company agreed to raise the cap on tool insurance from $10,000 to $25,000.
Multiple subcommittees were formed during the session in Chicago. One subcommittee will work to address issues around Article 18 on Union Security and Representation; Article 19 on Grievance Procedure; and Article 20 on Board of Arbitration.
“We are working more aggressively and transparently than ever before to make sure United Airlines hears directly from our members during every step of these negotiations,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “The majority of the union’s full committee is made up of rank-and-file technicians. All proposals we will put on the table and fight for are drawn from the members. Together, with a united front, we have the power to take this company on and win big.”
Safety Protocols Must Be Improved
The Teamsters are demanding that United Airlines make serious movement on every issue, including changes to Article 7K. The union is calling on the company to follow the guidelines of government agencies concerning shelter-in-place orders and other safety protocol during a natural disaster. The urgency of this issue was particularly apparent after United Airlines attempted to force Local 19 members to report to work during Hurricane Beryl in Houston.
“So far, United has failed to respond seriously to emergency response preparedness. If United Airlines thinks they can drag the issue out by being obstinate, they’re in for a rude awakening,” Griswold said. “Throughout this process, we will not back down from protecting the safety and health of our members.”
The Teamsters and United Airlines will resume negotiations in Denver August 20-22.
“It’s important for the 10,000 Teamsters technicians at United Airlines to know it’s a new day and we have a more militant and more organized approach to bargaining,” said Dexter Thomas, a Teamster on the bargaining committee and Recording Secretary of Local 19. “We have heard our members’ concerns, and we will fight to make significant gains for all members every single time we come to the table. It’s important for all Teamsters at United to get and stay involved in this campaign at their stations. In this battle for an historic agreement, solidarity will make all the difference.”