The state of US aviation labour relations does not bode well for the new year, with union negotiations due at Northwest Airlines, USAir and United Airlines, among others.
By early December, the 32,500 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers at Boeing had been on strike for more than two months over issues of job security, subcontracting and healthcare benefits. The walkout took on greater significance after a vote in late November, in which 61 per cent of machinist's rejected a company offer that union negotiators had recommended. But as airlines began complaining about delays in deliveries at press- time, a resolution was close.
FedEx pilots ended unsuccessful, mediated negotiations and decided to institute 'self-help' measures, including an overtime ban. Though resolve is strong, pilots are split on the complaint, which targets retirement, job security and work rule changes.
In the most extreme example of poor labour relations, America West sacked 500 machinists in early December almost without warning. The move is a bid to drive down costs by outsourcing heavy maintenance, saving some $34 million annually. The carrier denies charges the layoffs were an attempt to destroy a nascent organising group.
Northwest's unions expect their wages to 'snap-back' to the pre-concession levels of 1993 and management wants to institute work-rule changes to compensate. United faces difficult negotiations with its flight attendants, while USAir must try to obtain the elusive concessions from its three main labour groups.
Mead Jennings
Source: Airline Business
