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The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today filed an application to conduct a representation election for approximately 150 Qantas Airways aircraft maintenance engineers (AME) based in Los Angeles, CA.
“The IAM applauds these brave aircraft maintenance engineers for taking the first step in gaining the right to collectively bargain with Qantas management to achieve the fair contract they deserve,” said IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “The IAM stands strong with these workers and will leverage the IAM’s significant resources and power to not only win this election, but also to secure the fair contract these aircraft maintenance engineers rightfully deserve.”
Qantas AMEs reached out to the IAM late last year to explore the idea of forming a union with the IAM. The AMEs believe that they should be treated better by Qantas management and decided collectively that forming a union with the IAM and negotiating a legally binding contract would be the best way to ensure that they are recognized appropriately for the value they create for Australia’s largest airline.
“I’m very proud that these talented and hard-working Qantas aircraft mechanics took action to form a union to gain the real respect that they are entitled to,” said IAM Air Transport Grand Lodge Representative and lead organizer on the campaign, Sean Ryan. “As a fellow aircraft mechanic and proud IAM member, I know first-hand the benefits of IAM membership and a strong contract.”
The IAM represents thousands of aircraft mechanics and related workers across the United States at major and regional airlines, such as American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, British Airways, PSA Airlines, and Air Wisconsin Airlines.
The IAM has approximately 620,000 active and retired members in countless industries and is the largest airline union in North America.
