Approximately 3,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) at McGee Air Services have ratified a new five-year collective bargaining agreement. The vote took place on August 14 across several locations including Seattle, Paine Field, Portland, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
The agreement includes wage increases for all covered employees of at least 5.6% at all steps and locations. It also incorporates the contractual CPI-U raise. Employees active or on leave as of the ratification date will receive a bonus based on their years of service.
Other key elements in the contract are new language providing for a minimum of four work shift bids per year with bidding determined by seniority, increased rates for personal time off accrual so that maximum PTO is reached after four years of service, overtime and mandatory overtime protections, added uniform protections and new provisions regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), and no concessions or givebacks from workers.
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen stated: “The IAM continues to negotiate industry-leading agreements that are fundamentally changing the landscape of the entire airline industry. By continuing to win contracts that push wages and job security to new heights, we are lifting every worker and community that makes the world move.”
IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair John M. Coveny Jr. commented: “IAM members are the people who make McGee run every single day. This agreement is a testament to our negotiating committee and the dedication of our skilled membership.”
Edison Fraser, IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff said: “Our members on the ground are part of the gears that keep McGee Air Services and their customers running at a high level. Alaska Airlines, McGee’s biggest customer, is consistently rated as one of the best in customer satisfaction, and the workers who make that happen deserve to be included in that success.”
Tom Regan, IAM Special Assistant to the International President added: “Every worker deserves to be compensated fairly for their labor. Our negotiating committee showed up ready to achieve the wage and benefit increases along with other premium increases that our members deserve – and they have delivered. These increases at McGee are great news for the entire airline ramp worker industry.”
The contract will remain in effect until 2029.
