September 30, 2005 - Now merged with America West Airlines, US Airways this week exited from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in 30 months.
America West’s management team will dominate the combined carrier, with US Airways’ headquarters moving to Phoenix, AZ, America West’s home town.
The IAM today filed a request with the National Mediation Board for a “single-carrier ruling”. Once the NMB rules that the merged US Airways-America West airlines are operating as a single carrier, the IAM will work with the other labor organizations and management to provide for a smooth transition into the IAM’s contracts for America West’s employees in the Mechanic & Related and Fleet Service classifications.
“The IAM’s position is that seniority should be integrated in a fair and equitable manner by an employee’s date of entry into the classification,” said General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. “It is in the best interests of Mechanic & Related and Fleet Service workers of both airlines to bring the benefits and protection of the IAM contracts to the America West employees as soon as possible.”
The NMB has not indicated when it may issue a ruling. IAM Representatives have already begun negotiating transition agreements.
IAM members can keep up to date on the US Airways-America West integration at www.goiam.org/usairways.
