UAL Mechanics Launch Campaign
to Oust Teamsters
 

May 5, 2009 - The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today announced a campaign to help United Airlines' (UAL) 9,000 Mechanic & Related employees return to Machinists Union representation.

"At the request of a diverse group of United Airlines Mechanic & Related employees, the Machinists Union has launched a drive to help them return to the only union that can provide a secure defined benefit pension plan and the cross-classification solidarity they need," said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr.

The IAM currently represents United Airlines' 17,000 Ramp & Stores, Public Contact, Food Service, Maintenance Instructor, Fleet Technical Instructor and Security Guard employees. IAM members are the airline's only employees who have a defined benefit pension plan, the IAM National Pension Plan. The Machinists Union represented UAL's Mechanic & Related employees until 2003, when they voted to be represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA). AMFA was replaced by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, their current union, in April 2008.

"The lack of a secure pension option and the system-wide lack of servicing caused their UAL members to seek a union with a strong focus on local representation," said Roach. "UAL's Mechanic and Related employees have been without a pension since 2005, but IAM members at United are earning benefits in the secure IAM National Pension Plan."

"The Teamsters relegated UAL employees to pre-existing locals where we comprise a minority," said Malik Miah, a San Francisco-based UAL mechanic. "In San Francisco the Teamsters arbitrarily split the membership among multiple locals to suppress our voice and reduce our voting power."

"The Machinists Union will provide UAL Mechanic & Related employees the ability to develop their own district and locals to ensure their right to self-determination," said Roach.

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HCTC Latest News

March 4, 2009:

The Trade Adjustment Assistance Health Coverage Improvement Act was recently passed as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  The HCTC is changing as a result of this new law. 

Changes That Affect All HCTC Eligible Individuals

• The HCTC will pay a greater portion of your health insurance costs.   The tax credit is increasing from 65% to 80% of qualified health insurance premiums.  If you are a monthly HCTC participant, the 80% tax credit amount will be reflected on your HCTC invoice beginning in April 2009. 
  
• Newly-enrolled participants will soon be able to receive a credit on their HCTC account for qualified health insurance payments they paid in 2009 while enrolling in the monthly HCTC Program. The HCTC Program will begin offering this option in August 2009.
  
• The HCTC will be available to your family members for a longer period of time.  Beginning in January 2010, qualified family members may continue receiving the HCTC for up to 24 months (but not beyond December 31, 2010)after the primary eligible individual experiences certain life events, including:
  • Enrollment in Medicare
  • Divorce
  • Death