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. It includes a 3% annual wage increase for each year of the contract, a $30 daily travel reimbursement increase for those commuting from outside Oklahoma City, and enhanced incentives for working during federal holidays and peak periods such as between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The contract also strengthens protections for veterans by ensuring IAM’s Veterans Services Department has annual facility access to assist members with VA claims.
“This agreement is a major step forward for our members who dedicate themselves to training the next generation of air traffic controllers,” said IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “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.”
The negotiating committee emphasized the need to attract new instructors and improve work-life balance, noting that many current instructors often work double shifts or up to 17-hour days to fulfill Federal Aviation Administration training requirements.
“Our members take tremendous pride in their work and in the critical role they play in our nation’s aviation safety,” said Ben Moody, IAM Union District 171 President and Directing Business Representative. “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 various industries in North America, including aerospace, defense, airlines, railroads, transit, healthcare, automotive sectors in both the United States and Canada. More information about IAM can be found at https://www.goiam.org/.
