US Airways and America West

On January 30, 2006 The National Mediation Board (NMB) today declared that US Airways and America West Airlines are now officially operating as a single air carrier.

The NMB ruling, which was expected, paves the way for the IAM to work closely with the former America West employees to reach transition agreements that addresses the inequities between the America West and US Airways contracts and provides the superior benefits of the IAM contracts to all Mechanic & Related  and Fleet Service  employees of the newly combined carrier.

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) currently represents Fleet Service workers at America West, while the Teamsters (IBT) represents Mechanics  at America West. Both unions have 14 days to petition the NMB and show sufficient interest in a representation election. If the NMB orders an election, the process of securing a transition agreement will be delayed pending the results of the vote. Additionally, the loss of all union protection is a possibility if elections take place.

If 50 percent plus one of the eligible employees of each of the combined groups do not participate in an election, the union would be decertified at the combined airline. The Stores Clerks at Allegheny and Piedmont were recently decertified in this manner.