Following a resounding rejection of United Airlines’ latest contract proposal, Teamsters aviation maintenance technicians rallied at Orlando International Airport. Negotiations in Orlando culminated in a 99.5 percent vote against the proposal, which the Teamsters deemed unrealistic.
Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien stated, “Teamsters at United Airlines are putting this company on notice: we will accept nothing less than an industry-leading contract that keeps jobs in America.” O’Brien criticized United’s executives for making an “insulting, un-American proposal.”
The Teamsters Union, which represents over 10,000 United Airlines technicians nationwide, is calling for a contract that includes competitive pay, accelerated wage progression for new employees, and protection against the outsourcing of maintenance work to China and other countries.
Chris Griswold, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division, expressed that United Airlines, despite being highly profitable, is reluctant to reward the workers who contribute to its success with a fair agreement. “We will continue to hold United’s feet to the fire until it recognizes the indispensable role United Airlines Teamsters play in the carrier’s success and the safety of the flying public,” he said.
Martin Acosta, a United technician based at Orlando and a member of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee, emphasized safety concerns. He remarked, “United’s previous offer would have slashed our wages and shipped more of our work to China.” He added that the fight is not only for the protection of their work but also for the American aviation industry.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents over 1.3 million workers across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. More information can be found on their website, and they are also active on social media.
