About 3,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) at McGee Air Services have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. The vote took place on August 14 and covers workers in Seattle, Paine Field, Portland, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
The five-year contract brings several changes for employees. It includes a wage increase of at least 5.6% at all steps and locations, including a contractual cost-of-living adjustment. All active employees or those on leave as of the ratification date will receive a bonus based on years of service.
Other terms in the agreement include language ensuring at least four work shift bids per year based on seniority and an increase in personal time off accrual rates so that the maximum rate is reached after four years of service. The contract also adds overtime protections, addresses uniform policies and personal protective equipment requirements, and contains no concessions or givebacks.
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President, stated: “The IAM continues to negotiate industry-leading agreements that are fundamentally changing the landscape of the entire airline industry. By continuing to win contracts that push wages and job security to new heights, we are lifting every worker and community that makes the world move.”
John M. Coveny Jr., IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair said: “IAM members are the people who make McGee run every single day. This agreement is a testament to our negotiating committee and the dedication of our skilled membership.”
Edison Fraser, IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff commented: “Our members on the ground are part of the gears that keep McGee Air Services and their customers running at a high level. Alaska Airlines, McGee’s biggest customer, is consistently rated as one of the best in customer satisfaction, and the workers who make that happen deserve to be included in that success.”
Tom Regan, IAM Special Assistant to the International President added: “Every worker deserves to be compensated fairly for their labor. Our negotiating committee showed up ready to achieve the wage and benefit increases along with other premium increases that our members deserve – and they have delivered. These increases at McGee are great news for the entire airline ramp worker industry.”
The new contract will remain effective until 2029.
