AirTran Airways and the Teamsters agree on new contract

In neogtiations so smooth, it is almost unheard of these days, AirTran Airways and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 528 (“Local 528”), announced today the successful membership ratifi

In neogtiations so smooth, it is almost unheard of these days, AirTran Airways and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 528 (“Local 528”), announced today the successful membership ratification by an overwhelming margin of a new 48-month collective bargaining agreement. The agreement covers approximately 400 AirTran Airways mechanics and inspectors in Atlanta, Orlando, Baltimore/Washington, Boston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, and Milwaukee.

“AirTran Airways and Local 528 have established a model labor/management relationship over the past 12 years,” said Bob Fornaro, AirTran Airways chairman, president, and chief executive officer. “The leadership of Local 528, the IBT stewards, and AirTran Airways’ mechanics, and inspectors have been an important part of the success AirTran Airways has achieved.”

The agreement includes improved wages, benefits, and working conditions and became effective October 1, 2009, which was the amendable date of the previous four-year agreement. AirTran Airways and Local 528 have now negotiated four successful collective bargaining agreements on or before the amendable date of the previous agreement – an accomplishment rarely achieved in airline collective bargaining agreements.

“Our members are deserving of these improvements. They work hard, are very productive and they enjoy what they do,” said Don Toney, president of Local 528. “We are very pleased that we could negotiate a new agreement so quickly and professionally that not only rewards our members for their contributions but also will enable AirTran Airways to remain an efficient and competitive low-cost carrier. When AirTran Airways wins in the marketplace, our members also win.”

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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