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AMFA created a Benchmark for Airlines to follow
AMFA2000  pdf
File
What is the difference between an “Industry Leading Contract”
and an “Industry Changing Contract”? Virtually every
airline at one point or another can claim an “Industry
Leading Contract”. The nature of the industry is that
in each contract the pay leapfrogs the previous “Industry
Leading Contract”. Furthermore, when touting these “Industry
Leading Contracts” the bargaining agents often only compare
top wages. They ignore such important issues as job security,
pay progression and quality of life issues such as work schedules.
AMFA created a benchmark for the airlines to follow by negotiating
double digit percentage wage increases and triple digit percentage
pension plan increases.
What is the difference between an “Industry Leading Contract”
and an “Industry Changing Contract”? Virtually every
airline at one point or another can claim an “Industry
Leading Contract”. The nature of the industry is that
in each contract the pay leapfrogs the previous “Industry
Leading Contract”. Furthermore, when touting these “Industry
Leading Contracts” the bargaining agents often only compare
top wages. They ignore such important issues as job security,
pay progression and quality of life issues such as work schedules.
AMFA created a benchmark for the airlines to follow by negotiating
double digit percentage wage increases and triple digit percentage
pension plan increases.
| Airline |
Pay as of
April 2001 |
| Delta |
$29.16 |
| Southwest |
$28.23 |
| US Airways |
$27.61 |
| Continental |
$26.24 |
| American |
$26.11 |
| Northwest |
$25.75 |
| United |
$25.57 |
| TWA |
$24.36 |
| Industry Average |
$26.63 |
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In April 2001 AMFA negotiated an “Industry
Changing Contract” at Northwest. It’s “all-in”
pay rate of $33.00 for a 15-year mechanic represented:
- 13.2% increase over the current “Industry
Leader” or $3.84 per hour.
- 23.9% increase over the Industry Average
or $6.37 per hour. |
By contrast, in March 2002 the IAM negotiated
an “Industry Leading Contract” at United.
Its “all-in” pay rate of $34.96 for a 15-year
mechanic represented:
- 0.1% increase over the current “Industry
Leader” or $.05 per hour.
- 14.4% increase over the Industry Average
of $4.40 per hour
|
| Airline |
Pay as of
March 2002 |
| American |
$34.91 |
| Delta |
$34.44 |
| Northwest |
$33.83 |
| US Airways |
$30.08 |
| Southwest |
$28.23 |
| Continental |
$26.85 |
| United |
$25.57 |
| Industry Average |
$30.56 |
|
While striving to leapfrog the current leader by a mere nickel
certain things fell by the wayside. For example:
- Shop mechanics at Northwest are paid for both licenses. Those
performing the same work at United are only paid
for one.
- Contractually Northwest must provide weekends off for a minimum
of 70% of maintenance base employees. At United,
maintenance base employees’ schedules can
be and have been changed at the whim of management.
Of the major airlines the IAM represents the mechanics class
and craft only at United and US Airways. Coincidentally, both
of these airlines are seeking pay concessions from their employees
while the other airlines sit back and wait to play follow
the leader. Where will the IAM lead the industry this time?
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