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 contract includes a wage increase of at least 5.6% for all covered employees across all steps and locations. The agreement also provides a ratification bonus for active employees or those on leave as of the ratification date, with the amount based on years of service.
Additional terms in the contract include language ensuring a minimum of four work shift bids per year determined by seniority. Personal time off accrual rates will increase for all employees, allowing them to reach maximum PTO rates after four years of service. The agreement also adds overtime protections and addresses uniform and personal protective equipment requirements. There are no concessions or givebacks included in this deal.
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen 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.”
IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair John M. Coveny Jr. 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 said: “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 new contract will remain in effect until 2029.