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 and covers workers in Seattle, Paine Field, Portland, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
The agreement includes a wage increase of at least 5.6% for all covered employees across all steps and locations. The contract also features an increase in personal time off accrual rates for all employees, with the maximum rate reached after four years of service. Employees will benefit from overtime and mandatory overtime protections as well as added language addressing uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE). There are no concessions or givebacks in the contract. All active employees or those on leave at the time of ratification will receive a bonus based on their years of service.
The new contract introduces a minimum of four work shift bids per year with timelines determined by seniority.
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. said: “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, commented: “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 agreement will remain in effect until 2029.
