Approximately 3,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) at McGee Air Services have ratified a new five-year collective bargaining agreement. The vote took place on August 14 and covers employees in Seattle, Paine Field, Portland, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
The contract includes a wage increase of at least 5.6% for all covered employees across all steps and locations. This increase incorporates the contractual Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) raise. In addition to higher wages, the agreement provides a ratification bonus for all active employees or those on leave as of the ratification date. The bonus amount is based on years of service.
Other provisions in the agreement include new language ensuring a minimum of four work shift bids per year with seniority-based selection timelines. Personal time off (PTO) accrual rates will also rise for all employees, allowing them to reach maximum PTO rates after four years of service. The contract adds protections related to overtime and mandatory overtime as well as new requirements regarding uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE). There are no concessions or givebacks included in this agreement.
“The IAM continues to negotiate industry-leading agreements that are fundamentally changing the landscape of the entire airline industry,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “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.”
“IAM members are the people who make McGee run every single day,” said IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair John M. Coveny Jr. “This agreement is a testament to our negotiating committee and the dedication of our skilled membership.”
“Our members on the ground are part of the gears that keep McGee Air Services and their customers running at a high level,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser. “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.”
“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,” said Tom Regan, IAM Special Assistant to the International President. “These increases at McGee are great news for the entire airline ramp worker industry.”
The new collective bargaining agreement will remain in effect until 2029.
