“It has become crystal clear that US Airways has
no intention of concluding a fair agreement with
its mechanics,” said IAM District 142 President
Tom Higginbotham. “CEO Doug Parker has been too
busy negotiating with employees from another
airline to bother with his own employees. He has
infuriated IAM members by preferring to
negotiate terms with people who have never
sacrificed a single cent to keep US Airways
flying.”
IAM Mechanic and Related members have been in
negotiations with US Airways for more than two
years, and in mediated talks since July 2011.
The carrier has refused to alter its last four
inadequate comprehensive economic proposals,
creating the current impasse.
“Federal law dictates what happens when a
carrier is unwilling to engage in meaningful
bargaining,” said Higginbotham.
“The dispute moves from the bargaining
table to the street. It is time for the NMB to
authorize that next step.”
The Machinists Union represents approximately
14,000 workers at US Airways and is the largest
union at the carrier. Separate negotiations
between the IAM and US Airways for the Fleet
Service classification will resume next week.
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