The IAM applauded today’s National Mediation Board (NMB) single carrier ruling for the Flight Attendant classification comprising 25,000 employees at the recently combined United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia Airlines.
Today’s ruling sets in motion a 14-day period during which the IAM will provide sufficient evidence of support for the NMB to call for a union representation election. The Board requires a “showing of interest” by at least 35 percent of the combined classification before an election will be scheduled. The NMB will set the time frame for an election after the IAM provides its showing of interest.
“This election is about good wages, pensions, job security and flexible work rules - four things IAM Flight Attendants at Continental have and United Flight Attendants want,” said IAM Newark, NJ Local 2339-N President Joey Guider.
“The IAM has proven that we can deliver progressive contracts that provide higher pay, retirement security and a better quality of life for Flight Attendants,” said IAM Guam Local 2339-G President Morna McDonald.
IAM-represented Continental Flight Attendants earn up to $52.53 per hour base pay, 32.2 percent higher than United’s top rate, and they have a company-sponsored defined benefit pension plan and a guaranteed back-up pension plan, in addition to a 401(k) plan.
“It’s exciting that this merger has given United Flight Attendants the opportunity to join the IAM in creating the world’s largest Flight Attendant union,” said IAM Houston, TX Local 2339-H President Rosalie Canton.
“The IAM is prepared to bring United Flight Attendants the positive change they are eager to achieve but have been denied for far too long,” said IAM Cleveland, OH Local 2339-C President Marcus Valentino.
“I am eager to be part of a union that has the resources and financial stability to elevate the Flight Attendant profession,” said United Flight Attendant and IAM Campaign Leader Dianne Massimo-Tamuk. “The IAM can negotiate a new defined benefit pension plan to replace the one we lost in bankruptcy, just as they did for their current members at United Airlines.”
When the NMB schedules the election, it will mail voting instructions to eligible Flight Attendants who can cast their votes via telephone or an Internet website. Results are determined by a majority of votes cast in the election.
All Flight Attendants are reminded to make sure your carrier has your correct mailing information. The NMB will mail voting instructions to the address your airline provides. If you do not receive mail at the address on file with the company - regardless of whether your union has your correct address information - you may not receive voting instructions. Update your address with the company today.
The NMB's complete ruling is available here.
