August 14, 2006 - The National Mediation Board (NMB) has certified the Machinists Union as the collective bargaining representative for the Mechanic & Related class and craft at US Airways. The IAM and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters were both competing for representation rights following the airline’s merger with America West Airlines. The Teamsters represented America West’s 900 mechanics, while the IAM has represented workers at US Airways and its predecessors since 1949. The NMB’s action extinguished the Teamsters’ representation rights for the former America West Mechanics.
“IAM members showed tremendous support for their union while ignoring an intense Teamster campaign of lies and empty promises,” said General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. “We are prepared to immediately enter into transition negotiations with US Airways to ensure fair seniority integration, provide the secure IAM National Pension Plan and provide active and furloughed employees of the combined airline with the job opportunities they deserve.”
The NMB determined the Teamsters failed to show sufficient interest from the combined workforce to call for an election and on August 11, 2006 granted the IAM’s request for certification. On May 11, 2006 the NMB certified the Machinists as the representative for the combined airline’s Fleet Service employees, adding 2,400 new IAM members. The IAM’s application to represent US Airways’ Stock Clerks was filed on August 2, 2006, but the NMB has not yet made a determination on the issue.
