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United Airlines Negotiations Update
Teamsters Kick Off Second Round of Bargaining in Denver
Today, The Teamsters began the second round of negotiations with United Airlines in Denver, Colorado. After presenting United Airlines with all non-economic proposals during the first round of negotiations, the company offered counterproposals to issues identified by the Teamsters during the previous round of bargaining.
“United Airlines thinks that by agreeing to some of our terms, they can ignore others. But we are here to let them know that we are fighting tooth and nail for all our demands,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “When Teamsters stand together, there is nothing we can’t accomplish. I’m looking forward to seeing the passion and energy of the 24 rank-and-file teamsters at the bargaining table as we restart negotiations this week.”
During the previous round of negotiations earlier this month, multiple subcommittees were formed to address certain issues in the current contract, including Article 18 on Union Security and Representation; Article 19 on Grievance Procedure; and Article 20 on Board of Arbitration. These subcommittees have reconvened in Denver to continue negotiations with the goal of reaching a tentative agreement on these issues this week.
Member Rights Must Be Strengthened
Teamsters are demanding that United Airlines make serious movement on every issue, including changes to Article 6. The carrier today proposed increasing the recall rights of furloughed employees from six years to eight. However, the union is countering this proposal by the company and calling for a significant increase to Teamster’s recall rights.
“It’s about job security for our younger members,” said Joe Prisco, a rank-and-file bargaining committee member representing Local 856. “We know that if United wants to be the best airline in the industry, they need to hire and retain the best mechanics. Part of that is making sure that Teamsters have top-tier furlough protections and the ability to return to United if they have been furloughed.”
The second round of negotiations with United Airlines will last until Thursday, August 22.