Your negotiating committee met this week with the National Mediation Board (NMB) at the NMB headquarters in Washington, DC. In attendance for the union were the voting members of the negotiating committee, local business agents, International Airline Division representatives and legal, actuarial and economic advisors. In attendance for the NMB were Board Member Linda Puchala and Deputy Chief of Staff Michael Kelliher. In attendance for the company were staff members representing technical operations, human resources and labor relations. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the mediation process and schedule for bargaining moving forward.

On Tuesday, June 7, the day began with a briefing by Michael Kelliher. The committee was informed about what to expect in future bargaining sessions and was directed to begin the process of decision-making regarding negotiable and non-negotiable articles. The committee began that process shortly after the briefing. At the request of Linda Puchala and Michael Kelliher, our financial advisor, benefits advisor and pension actuary presented costing information on our current proposal.

On Wednesday, June 8, the negotiating committee officially passed our counter proposal to the company. The proposal finalized in earlier meetings was cleared by the NMB and given to the company. The company was given an overview of the union’s counter offer. United had no initial questions or remarks and retired to their caucus room. In the evening, the financial advisors for the Teamsters and the company met to discuss the economic implications of the proposal in comparison to United Airlines’ last, best and final offer.

On Thursday, June 9, the negotiating committee met with the company representatives and the NMB. The company asked clarifying questions and the committee discussed next steps in the negotiations process with the NMB. Expectations were laid out about articles that were to be discussed in the upcoming session, as well as a schedule for face-to-face meetings.

Progress was made this week and the negotiating committee is committed to reaching a tentative agreement. The next meetings will take place from June 27-July 1. Updates will be posted as soon as more information is available.

In Solidarity,

Your Negotiating Committee

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