Approximately 3,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) employed by McGee Air Services have ratified a new five-year collective bargaining agreement. The contract was approved following a vote on August 14 among workers based in Seattle, Paine Field, Portland, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
The agreement provides wage increases of at least 5.6% for all covered employees at all steps and locations. It also includes a contractual cost-of-living adjustment. In addition to pay raises, active employees or those on leave as of the ratification date will receive a bonus determined by their years of service.
Other terms in the contract include updated language ensuring a minimum of four work shift bids per year, with seniority determining shift selection timelines. Personal time off (PTO) accrual rates will increase for all employees, allowing maximum PTO to be reached after four years of service. The agreement also introduces overtime protections and addresses issues related to uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE). There are no concessions or givebacks included in the deal.
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President, said: “The IAM continues to negotiate industry-leading agreements that are fundamentally changing the landscape of the entire airline industry. By continuing to win contracts that push wages and job security to new heights, we are lifting every worker and community that makes the world move.”
John M. Coveny Jr., President and Directing General Chair of IAM District 142, commented: “IAM members are the people who make McGee run every single day. This agreement is a testament to our negotiating committee and the dedication of our skilled membership.”
Edison Fraser, IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff, added: “Our members on the ground are part of the gears that keep McGee Air Services and their customers running at a high level. Alaska Airlines, McGee’s biggest customer, is consistently rated as one of the best in customer satisfaction, and the workers who make that happen deserve to be included in that success.”
Tom Regan, IAM Special Assistant to the International President, stated: “Every worker deserves to be compensated fairly for their labor. Our negotiating committee showed up ready to achieve the wage and benefit increases along with other premium increases that our members deserve – and they have delivered. These increases at McGee are great news for the entire airline ramp worker industry.”
The new contract will remain in effect until 2029.
