CWA Gains First Contract for 10,600 US Airways Agents

The Communications Workers of America has reached a first contract for 10,600 passenger service agents at US Airways that meets all major bargaining goals, including a substantial parity pay increase, strong job security provisions, retirement improvements and a significant employer contribution to family health benefits for part-time workers.

The five-year agreement is expected to boost hourly top pay to more than $20.90 next June, based on industry pay projections, under a pay parity agreement that ensures that passenger service agents at US Airways will lead the industry in compensation. By the end of this agreement, agents should reach an hourly rate of more than $22, the union said.

The settlement also includes important job security protections for agents in the event that US Airways is involved in a sale or merger, calls for a company payment ranging from 4-10 percent of salary to workers' base retirement accounts, and provides for 50 percent of family health care benefit premium costs for part-time workers to be paid by US Airways. Up until now, part-time workers had to pay the full costs of family medical benefits, a premium cost that exceeded $300 a month.

CWA President Morton Bahr said passenger service employees worked hard to "achieve a fair contract that substantially improves their pay, working conditions and job security. This agreement also recognizes their dedication, contribution and commitment to the success of US Airways."

Members will vote on the agreement in a mail ratification process, with contract explanation meetings and conference calls to be held among agents in airport and reservation center locations. A packet including the proposed contract and materials explaining the provisions will be mailed to members in about a week.

CWA credited the National Mediation Board for its assistance in the bargaining process.

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