Bargaining Update

United Airlines

At Los Angeles International Aiport, AFA-CWA Flight Attendants Candace Magoski, left, and Angela Elliott celebrate contract vote.

The Flight Attendants at United Airlines, members of AFA-CWA, ratified a contract covering 25,000 Flight Attendants. Over 90 percent participated in the vote to ratify the agreement. This agreement was reached on June 24, 2016, with assistance from the National Mediation Board.

"The high participation in this historic vote demonstrates the deep care Flight Attendants have for their future at the new United Airlines. The contract provides immediate economic gains, sets a new industry standard, and ensures Flight Attendants can achieve the benefits of a fully integrated airline," said Sara Nelson, AFA-CWA International President.

"This contract would not have been possible without the assistance of National Mediation Board Chair Linda Puchala, who was instrumental in helping the parties reach agreement. With the ratification of this contract, we look forward to a great spirit of labor relations at United that fully recognizes the contributions of the people who breathe life into the friendly skies."

Under the new agreement, all United Flight Attendants will be joined by a single contract. The five-year agreement includes double-digit pay increases, enhanced job security provisions, maintains and improves healthcare, protects retirement, and increases flexibility.

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Mercy Hospital

The CWA Executive board has approved a strike authorization at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, NY. In July, about 2,200 nurses, technologists, service, and clerical workers at Mercy Hospital – members of CWA Local 1333 – voted by a 96 percent vote to authorize a strike if a fair contract isn’t reached.

The Mercy Hospital contract expired on June 4. Members are fighting against inadequate staffing levels, deplorable working conditions, and disrespectful management. They are putting the pressure on Catholic Health to prioritize patient and worker safety over executive bonuses and to stop breaking the laws that protect union members.

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Appliance Park, Louisville

Bargaining began Aug. 16 covering 3,900 workers at Appliance Park in Louisville, Ky. China-based Qingdao Haier Co. bought the GE Appliance operation, closing on the $5.4 billion deal in June. These are the first contract negotiations since the sale.

IUE-CWA President James Clark, IUE-CWA Attorney Ken Page, IUE-CWA Local 83761 President Dana Crittendon, and the IUE-CWA Local 83761 bargaining team opened the negotiations. There are separate tables for the IUE-CWA Appliance Park workforce and the Appliance repair workers who are represented by IUE-CWA and the Electrical Workers, Machinists, UAW, and United Electrical Workers.

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AT&T West

CWA District 9 Vice President Tom Runnion put AT&T on notice that it must get serious about bargaining, especially when it comes to health care costs and scope of work issues for premises technicians.

The CWA bargaining committee is holding the line, pushing AT&T to bargain the fair contract that our members deserve, and mobilization is ramping up.

Maintenance splicers, members of Local 9511 in Escondido, Calif., talk mobilization.

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CWA Local 9414 members and supporters stand strong in Chico, Calif.