Amid the continuing uncertainty surrounding the American-US Airways merger, the purpose of the conference was to discuss outstanding issues and both parties’ positions on these issues.
“During this entire process we have been crystal clear with US Airways that our contracts come before merger distractions,” said IAM District 141 President Rich Delaney. “But all we have seen from US Airways is delay and diversion. IAM members at US Airways are unified and prepared to take this dispute public and will be fully supported by the substantial resources of the Machinist’s Union to achieve the agreements they deserve.”
“All IAM members at US Airways stand in solidarity with the same goal; contracts now!” said IAM District 142 President Tom Higginbotham. “US Airways needs to stop babbling about this merger circus and do what’s right by IAM members at US Airways.”
IAM-represented Mechanic and Related, Maintenance Training Specialist and Fleet Service workers have been in negotiations for well over two years with US Airways. The IAM has requested a release to strike from the NMB for the Mechanic and Related and Fleet Service groups earlier this year.
The IAM represents approximately 14,000 workers at US Airways and is the largest union at the carrier.