Perspectives: Archive
July 28, 2009
Filing for Mediation Services
Today, we filed joint letters between United and Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) and United and the International Association of Machinists (IAM) with the National Mediation Board (NMB) requesting mediation services. These filings are an important step forward in our negotiations process, and were part of our collective bargaining agreements (CBA) with each of these unions.
The CBAs state that if we have not reached agreements by August 1, we will file for mediation services. Mediation can be a valuable resource in any negotiations, and we are looking forward to continued progress with the assistance of the mediator.
A mediator is present to assist the parties as they work to come to mutually beneficial agreements. Once assigned, the mediator will work with the parties to understand the status of negotiations, the depth and breadth of remaining open issues and the most productive means to assist the parties in reaching an agreement.
For two of our unions, the negotiations teams have committed to continue based on the progress we have already made, and we will not file for mediation at this time. While the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) and Professional Airline Flight Control Association (PAFCA) CBAs also contemplate filing for mediation on August 1, the parties mutually agreed to continue direct negotiations. The parties have agreed that if at any point either wants to seek mediation, they will submit a joint application to the NMB at that time.
We also plan to file a joint letter for mediation services on August 7 with Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) consistent with the terms of their collective bargaining agreement.
In all cases, we will continue to work on productive discussions to provide our employees with rewarding jobs that enable United to move forward on a sustainable basis.
Sincerely,
Doug McKeen
Senior Vice President – Labor Relations