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The IAM has filed a request with the National Mediation Board (NMB) to appoint a federal mediator to help with negotiations with Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico. The IAM submitted this request in response to prolonged and intense discussions in which the company has failed to make it a priority to establish a collective bargaining agreement that would improve the lives of workers.
In May 2022, over 200 mechanics and related workers at Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico, LLC in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, voted to join the IAM. Following the insistence of the worker’s negotiating committee, contract negotiations began at the end of 2022.
“Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico workers deserve a seat at the table and should not be prevented from obtaining a negotiated contract that will improve their lives and take the company to the next level,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “The IAM is taking proactive measures to ensure that our negotiations are successful by requesting the assistance of a federal mediator from the NMB, and we’re confident we’ll reach the finish line together.”
Lufthansa Technik mechanics and related workers provide service for United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines.
“The IAM has made good faith efforts to achieve an agreement that works for both parties without success,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Airline Coordinator Tom Regan. “The mechanics and related workers deserve an agreement that reflects their sacrifices over the past few years. We strongly feel mediation will help us reach an agreement that builds a stronger future for our members and the company.”
The IAM recently wrote a letter to Lufthansa Technik, Puerto Rico workers explaining the NMB request.
“We’re committed to finding a solution that works for both the workers and Lufthansa Technik,” said Juan Negron, IAM Special Assistant to the International President. “We will use all the resources available to us through the IAM and have added the leadership of Air Transport Territory Airline Coordinator Tom Regan, Air Transport Territory Grand Lodge Representative Jorge Bonilla, and Southern Territory Special Representative John Vigueras to guarantee that the workers at Lufthansa receive fair treatment in the workplace and the contract they deserve.”
