United mechanics to start voting on union

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.suntimes.com/business/770495,ual013108.article

February 1, 2008
BY FRANCINE KNOWLES Staff Reporter

Mechanics at United Airlines will start voting in February this month on whether to make the Teamsters their union, replacing the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association — a vote that could leave the mechanics without any union representation.

The National Mediation Board scheduled a new representation election to take place between Feb. 26 and March 31 among the more than 9,000 United mechanics. The board acted on a petition filed by the Teamsters in December requesting an election. The Teamsters submitted signatures it said it collected from more than 50 percent of the United mechanics who support the change in representation.

“We think side by side, we’re the best choice,” said Dave Quinn, AMFA Region 3 director, who expressed confidence AMFA will prevail. AMFA has represented the mechanics since 2003, when workers voted to replace the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers as their union.

AMFA has contended that as a craft union, it is better able to represent the specific issues of concern to mechanics at UAL Corp.’s United.

The Teamsters have contended that United mechanics need a stronger voice to represent them and battle outsourcing of work.

“We’re really confident we’re going to win,” said Teamsters spokeswoman Leslie Miller.

FULL story at link.