Agreement Provides Signing Bonus, Wage Increases Over Life of Contract

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Teamsters Airline Division and Teamsters Locals 210, 355 and 776 have reached a tentative agreement on a five-year contract for approximately 300 Piedmont Airlines mechanics.

The agreement reached on May 26 is a five-year contract moving forward and contains a 7 percent signing bonus. The life of the agreement contains a separate 13 percent increase in wages, with an additional bonus coming after the third year. There is also vastly improved furlough language, which will provide a major increase in job protection.

“This tentative agreement is another example of Teamster strength representing workers at regional carriers,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “The company worked with us to get to an agreement which will provide our members with outstanding wage increases. We are invested in making sure these regional jobs can be long-term careers for our membership. This agreement ensures that these jobs will be around for years to come.”

“We’re very happy that we’ve got a tentative agreement,” said Bob Luciano, lead negotiator for the Piedmont Airlines mechanics. “The membership showed tremendous solidarity and positivity working toward this contract. Today, we’re proud to say we’re one step closer. The union owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the negotiating committee for their assistance and the rank-and-file membership who’ve supported us throughout negotiations.”

“I’m happy there are improvements in the company’s contributions toward our 401(k) and that medical premiums will be capped at the end of the term,” said Jim Layman, a nine-year mechanic at Piedmont. “The improvements in this contract ensure that the folks who have given years of service to this carrier will be taken care of at the end of their careers. We are grateful that the Teamsters have taken care of us in this contract, like they always do."

(Source: Teamsters news release)

FMI: www.teamster.org