The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today filed applications with the National Mediation Board (NMB) asking the Board to rule that United Airlines and Continental Airlines are now operating as a single transportation system for union representation purposes in the Fleet/Ramp Service and Stock & Stores classifications. The NMB is the federal government agency that conducts union elections in the airline industry.
“United and Continental have substantially integrated their Ramp and Stores operations and are operating as a single carrier for representation purposes in these classifications,” said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. “Ramp and Stores employees at both airlines have demonstrated tremendous support for the Machinists Union and they will be the first of what we expect will be many IAM members at the new United Airlines.”
The IAM represents United’s 6,800 Ramp and 640 Stores employees. Continental’s 225 Stock & Stores employees are unrepresented, and the 7,000 Fleet Service employees of Continental and Continental Micronesia are currently represented by a different union.
“The IAM is excited about the future of the new United Airlines in which each carriers’ Ramp and Stores employees are united under the IAM umbrella,” said IAM District 141 President Rich Delaney. “We all have the same goals of better wages, job security and a secure retirement. The IAM is the only union that can leverage the bargaining power of 55,000 United employees to achieve our common goals.”
In accordance with NMB guidelines, separate single carrier applications and determinations must be made for each employee classification following an airline merger.
The Machinists Union is the largest airline union in North America. More information about the IAM is available at www.voteiam.com.
