Transportation Wins 900 US Airways Members

August 17, 2006 – The National Mediation Board (NMB) has certified the Machinists union as the collective bargaining representative for the Mechanic & Related Class and Craft at US Airways.The National Mediation Board (NMB) has certified the Machinists union as the collective bargaining representative for the Mechanic & Related Class and Craft at US Airways. The IAM and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters were both competing for representation rights following the airline’s merger with America West Airlines. The Teamsters represented America West’s 900 mechanics, while the IAM has represented workers at US Airways and its predecessors since 1949. The NMB’s action extinguished the Teamsters’ representation rights for the former America West mechanics.

“IAM members showed tremendous support for their union,” said General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. “We are prepared to immediately enter into transition negotiations with US Airways to ensure fair seniority integration, provide the secure IAM National Pension Plan and provide active and furloughed employees of the combined airline with the job opportunities they deserve.”

The NMB determined the Teamsters failed to show sufficient interest from the combined workforce to call for an election. On August 11, 2006, the NMB granted the IAM’s request for certification. The NMB already certified the Machinists as the representative for the combined airline’s Fleet Service employees, adding 2,400 new IAM members. The IAM’s application to represent US Airways’ Stock Clerks was filed on August 2, 2006, but the NMB has not made a determination on the issue.

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