United Airlines Aircraft Mechanics Union Approves New Contract Agreement

In what should make 2012 a good New Year for some 5,500 aircraft mechanics a United Airlines, the Teamsters Union representing the mechanics announced that they have reach an agreement with the company which, among other things, will provide employees with an $11,500 signing bonus.

According to the statement, “Teamster aircraft mechanics and related workers at United Airlines Inc. [NYSE: UAL] overwhelmingly ratified a contract that provides for significant wage increases, maintenance of health care benefits and enhanced job security protections.”

While the new contract does not include the additional mechanics which make up a total of 9000 aircraft mechanics at the new combined United-Continental Airlines, the union sees this agreement as a major step toward the ultimate goal of an improved single contract for all.

“This marks a historic day for Teamster United mechanics,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “They stood united for a better future and for big improvements at United. They should feel proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

“Passage of this agreement was a real breakthrough and a major step toward achieving the ultimate goal of a single combined contract for the 9,000 mechanics at the new airline,” said Roger Apana, a mechanic from Honolulu and a member of the negotiating committee. “It feels good that we were able to achieve a $11,500 signing bonus along with restoring many of the items that were conceded in bankruptcy and securing the best job protections we’ve had in our 70-year history.”