US Airways Mechanics File For Election To Become Teamsters

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- US Airways mechanics and related workers filed for an election today with the National Mediation Board (NMB) as part of their campaign to become Teamsters.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100127/IBTLOGO)

"Because of the Teamsters' solid, documented track record of excellent representation, the Teamsters Union is the best and most logical choice to represent us for the future as professionals in the airline industry," Jim Blanton, a 25-year US Airways mechanic, announced today at a news conference in Charlotte, N.C. with mechanics and related workers from other airports across the country.

"We have seen what the Teamsters have achieved at other airlines, including United and Continental," said Ted Vallandingham, an inspector at US Airways in Pittsburgh and 29-year employee. "We want a strong union backing us up so that we have a strong voice at work, at the bargaining table and when we have to face off with management."

In October 2012, US Airways mechanics and related launched their campaign to seek industry-leading representation with the Teamsters Union. With more than 4,000 mechanics and related across the country, the workers, in conjunction with the Teamsters Aviation Mechanics Coalition (TAMC) and the Teamsters Airline Division, have been campaigning to gain majority support for the union.

"From the beginning, this campaign has been driven by the tireless worker organizers at US Airways that took it upon themselves to gain support for the Teamsters Union," said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. "It is this commitment that will lead to a more secure future for all 4,000 mechanics and related at US Airways."

The Teamsters also plan to file soon to represent mechanics and related at American Airlines (AA). The two airlines are undergoing a merger. There are more than 11,000 mechanics and related at AA.

The Teamsters represent more than 80,000 workers throughout the airline industry in every craft and class, including 18,000 airline mechanics and related at 10 carriers – more than any other union. 

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters