What is collective bargaining?

Collective bargaining is only process allowing mechanics, as a group, the right to secure their terms and conditions of employment through negotiation of a legally binding agreement defining the terms and conditions of employment for both mechanic and operator.

What is the final result of collective bargaining?

Once a contract is negotiated it will contain such provisions as hours of work, wage and salary definitions, safety and work rules, and definition of benefits. The contract is enforceable in a court of law, and the Railway Labor Act guarantees an orderly procedure for resolution of differences; including binding arbitration if necessary. Without a union contract mechanics are "at will" employees. They serve at the whim and will of management.

Why is collective bargaining beneficial?

The following points identify the importance of collective bargaining to mechanics:

By organizing and acting in concert, mechanics achieve bargaining parity with management.

•  Collectively bargained wages and conditions, which reflect the relative strength of the mechanics, are more substantial than what management would offer absent a union.
•  The source of mechanics' collective bargaining strength is their credible threat of collective action against the operator.
•  Without a union contract, management is free to unilaterally set and change conditions for mechanics without any input from you. With a union contract, democracy is introduced into the workplace and you achieve more control over your work lives (where you spend a majority of your waking hours).
•  With a union contract, mechanics can win a wide range of benefits that otherwise could legally be withheld by the management, including improvements in vacation and sick leave policies, overtime pay, retirement and so forth. 

Does Collective Bargaining have a proven effect on wages and benefits?

Yes, for example, since the organizing first began with the pilots in 2001, they have received, on average, over 200% increase in wages alone. This is in addition to all of the other improvements to their benefits and working conditions.