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. According to IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin, “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.”
Key terms of the contract include a 3% annual wage increase over each year of the agreement, an additional $30 daily travel reimbursement for members commuting from outside Oklahoma City, enhanced holiday and peak-period incentives with increased daily bonuses during federal holidays and between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and stronger protections for veterans. The contract also updates language on other key areas.
The negotiating committee emphasized the need to attract new instructors and improve work-life balance. Many current members regularly work double shifts or up to 17-hour days to fulfill Federal Aviation Administration training needs.
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.”
IAM represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, among others in North America.
