Vote To Begin July 7th, Results Expected August 11
The National Mediation Board (NMB) has set July 7, 2011 as the
starting date for a five-week election that will determine which of
two massive unions will represent the 14,300 Ramp/Fleet
Service workers of the recently-merged airline.
Currently, the International Association of Machinists and
Aerospace Workers (IAM) represents 6,400 fleet service workers at
United, while the Teamsters is the union representing 7,500 workers
employed by what was formerly Continental.
“Our goal for the combined group is a contract that
provides the kind of compensation and job security that ensures
employees share in the success of the world’s largest
carrier. This election is all about job security and which union
can negotiate the best Ramp contract in the airline
industry,” said IAM Transportation Vice President Robert
Roach, Jr. “The IAM negotiated our first United agreement in
1948, and generations of members have been building on it ever
since.”
The Teamsters have formed a pre-integration team comprised of
workers from CAL and UAL to help identify the priorities of the two
workforces so that every worker's concerns will be addressed. The
union has also invited representatives from IAM to participate in a
debate on June 16. The debate will be available via video stream
and teleconference for workers from both work groups.
"We are confident that when given the choice, workers at UAL-CAL
will choose the Teamsters to represent them on the job," Bourne
said. "We are successful because we listen to our members, identify
their issues and don't back down. We will fight to protect every
one of our members' jobs and provide them the best representation
in the industry."
The NMB will announce vote results on August 11, 2011.
“Even with an agreement adopted while United was in
bankruptcy, IAM members enjoy a contract that is light years ahead
of the terms weighing down Continental Fleet workers,” said
Rich Delaney, President of IAM District 141. “Our goal for
the combined group is a contract that provides the kind of
compensation and job security that ensures employees share in the
success of the world’s largest carrier.”
"We are excited about the upcoming election and look forward to
welcoming our brothers and sisters at UAL," said Teamsters Airline
Division Director Capt. David Bourne. "Our union has already begun
laying the groundwork to bring all fleet workers at UAL-CAL
together under one wing."