More than 23,000 Transport Workers Union of America members at American Airlines will see immediate wage increases ranging from 12 to 15% after Aircraft Maintenance, Material Logistics Specialist, and Fleet Service workers voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new two-year contract extension.
The new contract, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, will also include two additional annual raises of 3% on January 1, 2026, and January 1, 2027. The raises are also bolstered by increased crew chief and license premiums. Fleet Service, Aircraft Maintenance and Related, and Material Logistics Specialist workers all voted to ratify their contracts by an overwhelming margin, with over 90 percent of votes in favor.
“We set goals, and we achieved them,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “When the International and TWU locals work hand-in-hand, we win.”
While negotiations over the previous contract stretched on for years, negotiations for this contract were completed within five weeks. The new contract does not include any concessions back to American Airlines.
Alex Garcia, TWU International Executive Vice President, praised Air Division Director Andre Sutton and Air Division local presidents for their hard work.
“This was a unified effort from the TWU, as the International and locals were able to work in concert to get the job done,” Garcia stated.
Sutton said, “TWU has negotiated many industry-leading contracts at other carriers, setting the table for these contracts that will match or lead the airline industry for our American Airlines members.”
TWU International Administrative Vice President Mike Mayes said the local presidents provided important input during the negotiation talks this summer, laying the foundation for a good deal that could be finalized quickly.
“The local presidents were instrumental to provide essential details during the talks and then in explaining the positive impacts of the deal to membership,” Mayes said.
“We maintained our scope, which was one of the most important things, and why we were amenable to an extension,” Local 567 President Rollie Reaves said. “Our scope language is significantly stronger than that of any other airlines. Maintaining our scope language and reaching top-of-industry wages were our top priorities.”
“We know our members and heard them loud and clear about the sensitivity of these negotiations, given today's political climate,” Local 513 President Greg Cosey said. The time was right to lock in this agreement and prepare for full negotiations once the political landscape is more settled.”
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The TWU represents more than 155,000 workers across the airline, railroad, transit, universities, utilities and service sectors. The TWU is the largest airline workers union in the United States.