June 13, 2011-The National Mediation Board (NMB) today set July 7, 2011 as the starting date for a five-week election that can establish the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) as the collective bargaining representative for 14,300 Ramp/Fleet Service workers at the recently merged United and Continental Airlines.
“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 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.”
The IAM represents approximately 6,860 United Ramp Service workers while Continental and Continental Micronesia’s 7,440 Fleet Service workers are currently represented by another union. The IAM is the largest airline union in North America. More information about the IAM campaign is available at www.voteiam.com.
