Approximately 317 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 850 in Oklahoma City have ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). The contract covers full-time, part-time, and casual Air Traffic Controller Instructors at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center.
The agreement was approved on August 19. It includes a 3% annual wage increase for each year of the contract, an increase of $30 per day in travel reimbursement for those living outside Oklahoma City, and enhanced incentives for working during federal holidays and peak periods between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The contract also introduces protections for veterans, granting IAM’s Veterans Services Department annual access to help members with VA claims.
Craig Martin, IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President, stated: “This agreement is a major step forward for our members who dedicate themselves to training the next generation of air traffic controllers. We still have some work to do to help us recruit and retain instructors while improving quality of life for a workforce that has carried a heavy load to meet the mission.”
The negotiating committee emphasized efforts to attract new instructors and improve work-life balance. Many current instructors regularly work double shifts or up to 17-hour days due to high demand from the FAA training mission.
Ben Moody, IAM Union District 171 President and Directing Business Representative, said: “Our members take tremendous pride in their work and in the critical role they play in our nation’s aviation safety. This contract recognizes that sacrifice and lays the foundation to ensure the FAA has the skilled instructors it needs for years to come.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in North America.
