After years of hard-fought negotiations, the Transport Workers Union reached a tentative agreement with regional air carrier Air Wisconsin, an Appleton-based company which provides regional jet service for American Airlines.
The agreement comes as Dispatchers at Air Wisconsin represented by TWU Local 592 were on the brink of a potential strike that Would have disrupted the busy Memorial Day travel period. Air Wisconsin Dispatchers, who play a critical role in flight safety and operations, secured a well-deserved raise of 22 percent upon ratification on average, plus double time pay for overtime worked, significant improvements in retirement security and improved health insurance.
TWU credits President Biden and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s efforts in avoiding disruptive strike action at Air Wisconsin, by creating an atmosphere whereby TWU Dispatchers at Air Wisconsin were able to win a well-deserved, solid contract.
“When workers stand together and refuse to settle for the scraps the bosses are offering, and fight for real economic gains, victory is achievable,” TWU International President John Samuelsen said.
The four-year contract, if ratified, would give an additional 2 percent wage increase each August for the duration of the contract in addition to the 22 percent average raise upon ratification. A Dispatcher at the top of the wage scale would see a 25 percent wage increase upon ratification while a new hire would receive a 16.5 percent wage increase. Senior Dispatchers would also receive a $15,000 bonus, while anyone not at the top of the wage scale would receive $1,000 for each year of service, new hires would receive $500. Any portion of the one-time bonus that members contribute to their 401k will receive a company match.
“This agreement could not have come any sooner, as the TWU was on the brink of a potential strike that could have hit right over the Memorial Day holiday,” said Local 592 President Jenny Schar. “I’m fairly sure that most of the flying public was likely unaware that was happening.”
In April of 2022, 95 percent of TWU members in the unit voted to authorize a strike and the union requested in July of 2022 to be released from mediation. Both sides were set to meet with the National Mediation Board next week, with the very real possibility of the first work stoppage for an airline work group since 2010.
The contract also includes improved pay rates for overtime and special duty assignments, additional pay for overnight shifts worked, one additional personal day off per year and a 50 percent cashout of accrued sick leave hours at retirement.
“These improvements to this tentative agreement once again prove that the TWU will fight for our members, no matter how large or small the group,” said TWU International Air Division Director Andre Sutton.
Air Wisconsin dispatchers are responsible for flights carrying almost six million passengers per year out of Chicago O’Hare and Philadelphia International hubs to destinations throughout the East Coast and Midwest. Air Wisconsin dispatchers handle between 125 and 160 flights per day.
The previous contract expired in 2020. The tentative agreement will face a ratification vote on April 11th.