Today, Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) employed by United Airlines nationwide convened to advocate for a robust new contract from the airline. They are calling for enhanced wages, elevated safety protocols, and more extensive health care benefits. Despite the presence of over 10,000 essential technicians who ensure the safe operation of United’s fleet, the airline has been sluggish in its negotiations with the union, having only reached a tentative agreement on a single article of the contract after two rounds of collective bargaining.
“United Airlines operates one of the largest fleets globally and generates billions in profits annually. However, these profits do not extend to the workers who are vital in maintaining the airline’s operations,” stated Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “United appears to believe it can exploit and divide its workforce by delaying negotiations. The Teamsters have a different strategy. I am proud that our members at United are united in their efforts and are making it clear to the company that they will no longer tolerate this situation. We are determined to secure a landmark contract, regardless of United’s tactics and ongoing disregard.”
Teamsters organized demonstrations at airports in cities including Boston, Chicago, Denver, Dulles, Virginia, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, New Jersey, San Francisco, and Orlando and Tampa, Florida. These actions against United Airlines follow the announcement by flight attendants of a 99.99 percent vote in favor of authorizing a strike against the airline. The flight attendants are advocating for many of the same enhancements sought by the Teamsters, such as leading industry compensation, improved healthcare benefits, and enhanced safety measures for both employees and passengers.
“Our struggle extends beyond securing a contract that will govern the next five years. We are advocating for a groundbreaking agreement that will redefine the industry standards for future generations of United AMTs,” stated Martin Acosta, a technician with seven years of experience at United and a member of Teamsters Local 769. “As veteran AMTs approach retirement, United will need to attract younger technicians. If we do not achieve a transformative agreement, it signals that United does not appreciate the importance of our contributions to ensuring the safety of its aircraft and customers.”
