Approximately 317 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 850 in Oklahoma City have ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). The contract covers full-time, part-time, and casual Air Traffic Controller Instructors at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center.
The agreement was approved on August 19. It includes a 3% annual wage increase for each year of the contract, a $30 daily travel reimbursement increase for members living outside Oklahoma City, and enhanced holiday and peak-period incentives. These incentives feature increased daily bonuses for working during weeks with federal holidays and between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The contract also introduces protections for veterans services, allowing IAM’s Veterans Services Department annual facility access to assist members with VA claims, as well as updates to other key areas of the collective bargaining agreement.
Craig Martin, IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President, stated: “This agreement is a major step forward for our members who dedicate themselves to training the next generation of air traffic controllers. We still have some work to do to help us recruit and retain instructors while improving quality of life for a workforce that has carried a heavy load to meet the mission.”
The IAM Union negotiating committee highlighted ongoing challenges in recruiting new instructors and improving work-life balance. Many instructors regularly perform double shifts and extended workdays to meet Federal Aviation Administration training needs.
Ben Moody, IAM Union District 171 President and Directing Business Representative, said: “Our members take tremendous pride in their work and in the critical role they play in our nation’s aviation safety. This contract recognizes that sacrifice and lays the foundation to ensure the FAA has the skilled instructors it needs for years to come.”
IAM represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across various industries in North America.
