UPS agrees to 17% wage increase for aircraft mechanics

UPS has agreed a pay deal for its aircraft mechanics that will see it offering a 17% wage increase provided over seven years. The deal was ratified by 90% of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters membership yesterday with 69% voting in favour.

The result was the first time in history that the Teamsters’ local unit for UPS aircraft technicians and maintenance workers approved a contract on a first vote.

Covering nearly 1,200 aircraft mechanics, the agreed contract runs through November 1, 2013, but stretches back retroactively to November 2006, when the previous contract became amendable.

The Teamsters described the deal as a “strong” contract that maintains healthcare benefits as well as providing the wage increase through the term of the contract.

Teamsters Local 2727 president Bob Combine said: “This has been a difficult and long battle with UPS, but we didn’t back down and our resolve paid off. This is a big victory for UPS aircraft mechanics. This contract and the vote behind it prove that even in a tough economy, the Teamsters have the clout it takes to get the job done.”

UPS said it was pleased its mechanics had agreed to the contract offer.

Mitch Nichols, UPS Airlines president, said: “At UPS, we have a long tradition of rewarding our people while managing our business effectively. This is a great contract that meets both of those objectives.”