April 05--United Airlines reached tentative agreements Monday on new contracts for nearly 30,000 employees represented by the International Association of Machinists Aerospace Workers.
If ratified by IAM union members, the seven contracts would cover customer service agents, baggage handlers, call center employees and other positions with the Chicago-based airline through 2021.
"As I visit our airport locations I'm always impressed with the passion and professionalism of our IAM-represented team," Oscar Munoz, United's president and chief executive officer, said in statement. "They take great care of our customers and each other every day, and we are excited to reach this agreement."
The agreements followed four months of negotiations and are up to 2-1/2 years ahead of their amendable dates, according to United.
In January, United pilots approved a two-year extension of their labor agreement that will keep them in the cockpit through 2019. United's dispatchers also voted recently to ratify a contract extension. The airline is engaged in mediated negotiations with the Association of Flight Attendants and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
rchannick@tribpub.com
