IAM Mechanics Ratify US Airways Pact

WASHINGTON, April 8, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today announced ratification of a collective bargaining agreement covering 3,300 Mechanic & Related employees at US Airways.

“District Lodge 142 and the Negotiating Committee performed an excellent job under the most difficult of circumstances,� said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. “I thank the membership for their full support. Without them, this agreement would not have been possible.�

The agreement, which will be effective through December 31, 2011, was ratified by 65 percent of the voting membership.

“Our members approved an agreement that provides higher wages, a sound pension and enhanced job security,� said District 142 President Tom Higginbotham. “This agreement allows all US Airways Mechanic & Related employees to work under a single agreement for the first time since the America West merger.�

Highlights of the agreement include base wage and license premium increases, improved overtime rates, new shift premiums and participation in the IAM National Pension Plan, a secure multi-employer pension plan.

The Machinists Union is the largest Airline and Rail Union in North America, representing more than 170,000 Flight Attendants, Customer Service Agents, Reservation Agents, Ramp Service Personnel, Mechanics, Railroad Machinists and related transportation industry workers. Additional information about the Machinists Union is available at http://www.goiam.org/transportation.