Lufthansa Technik workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, ratified their first collective bargaining agreement on May 5. The contract covers more than 200 aircraft mechanics and related employees, following nearly four years of negotiations.
The new agreement provides job protections, a signing bonus, wage increases, and improved benefits for the workforce. Union leaders say the contract establishes a foundation for rights, pay, benefits, and working conditions that can be built upon in future bargaining rounds.
“This first contract wasn’t given to these workers – it was earned through their unity, determination, and refusal to back down,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico workers didn’t wait for change – they organized for it, fought for it, and won it.”
“For Lufthansa Technik workers in Aguadilla, this first contract represents long-awaited progress after years of standing together,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “It’s a strong example of what solidarity and sustained pressure can achieve.” Tom Regan, IAM Special Assistant to the International President said: “This shows what’s possible when workers organize and stay involved. Wages, benefits, and protections don’t improve by chance – they come through a union contract.”
According to John Coveny, IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair: “This first contract is just the beginning. It’s a living document that gives our members a real voice on the job today – and the power to keep building stronger protections, better pay, and greater respect in every round of bargaining moving forward.” Juan Negron from IAM added: “Our members never lost sight of what they were fighting for. They stood strong through every challenge, and today’s ratification shows the result of that unity.” The IAM Lufthansa Technik Negotiating Committee also said: “This agreement shows what we can accomplish when we stay united. We fought for respect, better conditions, and a voice – and this is a big step forward for all of us our families and the entire Puerto Rico.”
IAM members at Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico voted to join the union in 2022 seeking fair wages improved working conditions and workplace representation. Negotiations faced delays which led IAM to seek federal mediation in 2023 while rallying support locally as well as internationally. In December 2025 workers overwhelmingly rejected an effort backed by anti-union groups aimed at decertifying their representation reaffirming their commitment to staying with IAM.
The broader implications include establishing stronger labor standards within aviation maintenance workforces on the island while giving employees formal mechanisms to address concerns collectively going forward.
