Approximately 3,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) at McGee Air Services have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. The vote took place on August 14 and covers employees in Seattle, Paine Field, Portland, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
The five-year contract includes wage increases of at least 5.6% for all covered employees at every step and location. The agreement also provides a contractual Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-U) raise. All active employees or those on leave as of the ratification date will receive a ratification bonus determined by their years of service.
Other provisions in the contract include an increase in personal time off accrual rates for all employees, with the maximum rate reached after four years of service. The agreement adds language to ensure a minimum of four work shift bids per year based on seniority. Protections regarding overtime, mandatory overtime, uniforms, and personal protective equipment are also included. No concessions or givebacks were made as part of the deal.
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President said: “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.”
John M. Coveny Jr., IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair stated: “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 added: “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 commented: “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 newly ratified contract will remain in effect until 2029.
