Minneapolis-based Sun Country Airlines and the union representing its flight attendants jointly filed for federal mediation with the National Mediation Board last week to receive assistance in reaching a brand new contract. The news comes after nearly all of flight attendants rejected a contract proposed in May.
The last time the inflight staff had a brand new contract was seven years ago. Negotiations regarding a brand new agreement have reportedly been planned, but they were slowed by the pandemic.
“Working collaboratively”
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 120 is the union that represents flight attendants. The employees hope to extend their wages and for Sun Country to award those that took voluntary furloughs through the pandemic. Wendy Burt, a spokesperson for Sun Country, said the airline is working to achieve an agreement with its greater than 600 flight attendants, in line with the StarTribune.
“Sun Country is committed to working collaboratively with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 120 to achieve an agreement that our 630 flight attendants might be proud to support and that supports the airline’s continued growth.”
Informational picket
Each the union and the carrier said that federal mediation would allow them to form an agreement faster than re-starting contract negotiations, but in line with the StarTribune, the flight attendants are planning to picket at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Tuesday.
Burt explained to the StarTribune.
Photo: natmac stock/Shutterstock
The spokesperson also noted that several steps would should be taken before a strike occurs, including formal notification to the general public. Burt concluded that Sun Country is confident that an agreement might be reached with the union.
Teamsters Local 120 Business Agent Wealthy Frederick hopes the union and carrier will receive a mediator and mediation dates soon. Frederick also mentioned that given the recent rejection of the agreement nearly two months ago, either side are far apart.
“This contract will not be adequate”
On May twenty third, the union overwhelmingly rejected a proposed collective bargaining agreement with Sun Country. Joe Ferreira, the union’s Airline Division Director, said the employees deserve a deal reflecting their value.
“We stand with Local 120 flight attendants of their campaign to get a robust contract at this employer. These staff are the frontlines of this industry, and so they deserve a collective bargaining agreement that reflects how invaluable they’re to the employer.”
The Sun Country Airlines Flight Attendant Negotiating Committee also spoke in regards to the rejection.
the committee said.
Photo: Michael Gordon/Shutterstock
In line with StarTribune, Sun Country’s flight attendants have been working under a contract proposed in 2014 and amended in 2016. While wages appear to be the first concern, union officials claimed that entry-level flight attendants start at $21.53 per hour but can reach $53.56 over a stretch of 34 years of service. Teamsters Local 120 reportedly goals for the dimensions to be stretched across 12-20 years, which is the industry standard.
Last month, ultra-low-cost carrier Allegiant Air reached an agreement with the Transport Employees Union of America, representing nearly 1,900 flight attendants. Each parties spent around 10 months of collective bargaining.