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, which covers full-time, part-time, and casual Air Traffic Controller Instructors at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, was approved on August 19.
The agreement includes a 3% annual wage increase for each year of the contract. Members who commute from outside Oklahoma City will receive a $30 daily travel reimbursement to help offset commuting costs. There are also enhanced incentives for working during federal holidays and peak periods between Thanksgiving and Christmas, including increased daily bonuses.
The contract provides veterans services protections by granting IAM’s Veterans Services Department annual facility access to assist members with VA claims. Additional updates were made to other key areas of the collective bargaining agreement.
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.”
According to union officials, many instructors routinely work double shifts and up to 17-hour days in order to fulfill FAA training requirements. The negotiating committee highlighted efforts in the contract aimed at attracting new instructors and supporting work-life balance.
Ben Moody, President and Directing Business Representative of IAM District 171, 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 around 600,000 active and retired workers across industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, among others throughout North America.
