Teamster Mechanics at United Airlines Approve Agreement

Local 781 Members Gain Protections Alongside 5,500 Aircraft Workers

Teamster aircraft mechanics and related workers at United Airlines [NYSE: UAL] overwhelmingly ratified a contract on Dec. 29 for significant wage increases, maintenance of health care benefits and enhanced job security protections.

The Teamster contract covers about 5,500 aircraft mechanics and related employees throughout the United States, including members at O’Hare International Airport represented by Teamsters Local 781.

“This is a historic day for our members in the Chicago area and for Teamsters everywhere,” said Paul J. Stripling, Local 781 President. “The mechanics and United employees at O’Hare have secured significant gains for the protection of their jobs and the future of their families.”

Passage of the agreement is a major step toward achieving the ultimate goal of a single combined contract for the 9,000 Teamster mechanics at a merged United Airlines and Continental Airlines. The new wage increases and benefits package, including signing bonuses, officially took effect Jan. 1, 2012.

“The hardworking mechanics and workers in the Teamsters’ Airline Division deserve all the benefits and advantages they will receive,” said John T. Coli, President of Teamsters Joint Council 25. “By standing strong with local unions around the country, members of Local 781 will enjoy some of the best job protections ever negotiated in this industry’s history.”

Founded in 1941, Teamsters Local 781 represents more than 4,000 hardworking men and women in the airline, automotive, chemical, petroleum, paper and clerical industries throughout northern Illinois.

Download PDF

LATEST NEWS »