Aircraft mechanics at UPS Airlines have overwhelmingly backed a new labour agreement after years ofcomplex talks and strike threats.
The mechanics, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, ratified the dealthat runs until November 1, 2013. The 1,136 members who voted ratified the contract by a widemargin, 69 per cent to 31 per cent. The contract covers 1,200 aircraft maintenance technicians andemployees in related trades at UPS Airlines.
According to US media, the mechanics will get a 17 per cent pay rise over the period of thecontract, remaining the highest-paid aircraft maintenance workers in the industry. They will alsonot have to contribute towards healthcare benefits. The pay increase was not officially announced.
“We are pleased that our mechanics have agreed to this contract offer,” said Mitch Nichols,UPS Airlines president, in a statement. “At UPS, we have a long tradition of rewarding our peoplewhile managing our business effectively. This is a great contract that meets both of thoseobjectives.”
The agreement followed more than four years of extended talks over a new deal after theformer collective agreement expired in 2006. In September 2009, about 90 per cent of the 1,052 UPSaircraft mechanics voting in a ballot approved giving the Teamsters leadership authority to call astrike if necessary over the dispute.
In May 2010, the Teamsters asked the National Mediation Board to release UPS aircraftmechanics from contract negotiations after more than four years of unsuccessful talks. This wouldhave enabled the union to take strike action after an intermediary cooling-off period. But thisrequest was turned down and new talks between the company and the union were started.
