United Airlines' Aviation Technicians Rally for Fair Contracts Amidst Outsourcing Concerns
United Airlines' Aviation Technicians Rally for Fair Contracts
On April 30, 2025, aviation maintenance technicians representing United Airlines Teamsters made their voices heard in a rally outside Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This event was a response to the ongoing delays and lack of serious negotiations regarding their national contract, which has caused significant frustration among the workers involved.
Despite an astounding 99.5% rejection rate of the airline's last proposal, United Airlines has shown little willingness to return to the negotiation table with a meaningful offer. This proposal's content, which appeared to be dismissive and insulting, sparked a wave of anger among the technicians. They are particularly concerned about protecting their jobs from being outsourced to underregulated overseas repair stations, notably in China.
Sean M. O'Brien, the General President of the Teamsters, voiced strong criticism at the rally, suggesting that the delay in contract talks reflects a blatant disregard for the welfare of both the technicians and the flying public. He emphasized that while United's CEO Scott Kirby earns tens of millions, the technicians battling for better job security and financial stability are being ignored. According to O'Brien, Kirby's disinterest in the safety and job security of over 10,000 employees is alarming, especially as flights operated by United go out to millions of passengers who rely on these technicians.
Chris Griswold, who serves as the Director of the Teamsters Airline Division, framed the company's rhetoric regarding