Historic Labor Alliance Recognized, Pay Parity Achieved for America West Workers

The Teamsters and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) have reached a transition agreement with US Airways, securing significant wage increases and work protections for former America West customer service representatives (CSRs). The agreement also formally recognizes the workers’ joint association-ratified by the more than 8,000 America West and US Airways CSRs-as their collective bargaining representative.

The Teamsters will continue to negotiate with the company on behalf of the 3,400 former America West workers who are still seeking their first contract after overwhelmingly choosing to join the union in September 2004. As part of the transitional agreement, some Teamsters will receive wage increases of up to $5 per hour that will be implemented over the next 24 months.

"This alliance has already produced results for America West CSRs," said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. "We're moving forward in negotiations to reach our ultimate goal of bringing all workers under a strong, fair contract."

In late September, America West Airlines and US Airways merged to form the sixth-largest air carrier in the country. Soon after, customer service representatives at America West, represented by the Teamsters, and their counterparts at US Airways, represented by the CWA, agreed to form the Airline Customer Service Employee Association, IBT-CWA, to represent the workers.

The agreement also protects the existing holiday, sick time, and vacation policies for the for the former America West workers until the parties conclude an agreement to integrate the two work groups.

Continue checking the "Merger News" section of this page for the latest news on the merger.
 

Airline Mechanics, Stock Clerks and Related Workers at the Soon-to-be Merged US Airways

The Airline Division is working to protect the interests of mechanics and stock clerks at the newly merged airline. As the merger proceeds, the Airline Division is ensuring that the process does not adversely impact workers’ rights. Please continue to check “Merger News” for the latest news and developments.

The Airline Division is negotiating a strong contract on behalf of the more than 850 America West mechanics (AMTs). Click here for information about the AMT contract negotiations. The Airline Division also represents approximately 60 stock clerks who are covered by a Teamsters-bargained contract.

US Airways mechanics and stock clerks have asked the Airline Division several questions about the merger and related issues. Mechanics and related workers, click here for the latest collection of answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ), and click here for the previous FAQ document. Stock clerks, click here.

“If this merger helps both airlines to compete in the marketplace, we expect that it will also increase our members’ job security,” said Andy Marshall, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 104 in Phoenix. “We are going to fight for workers’ rights and negotiate protections on their behalf.”