Dave Saucedo, Director of the Airline Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing struggles faced by United Airlines mechanics as they fight for better contract terms, the outsourcing of maintenance work to other countries and the challenges of securing fair contracts under the Railway Labor Act.
The conversation began with Saucedo describing the impact of outsourcing heavy maintenance work at United Airlines. According to Saucedo, the company has increasingly sent wide-body aircraft to facilities in China for major maintenance checks, leading to a significant loss of experience and skill among U.S. mechanics. Saucedo emphasized that this practice not only threatens job security but also diminishes the transfer of essential technical knowledge within the workforce. United’s reliance on overseas vendors, who often lack the same licensure and depth of expertise as Teamster mechanics, raised concerns over safety standards and the long-term health of the airline’s maintenance operations, he said.
Next, Saucedo outlined the current stalemate in contract negotiations with United, highlighting the company’s resistance to addressing core issues, such as job scope and economic improvements. While Teamsters have successfully ratified a first contract with Sun Country Airlines, the path to agreement with United remains problematic. Saucedo discussed the frustration of mechanics who feel that stalled negotiations disrupt their livelihoods and morale. He emphasized the need for a “motivating spark” to encourage United management to engage in meaningful negotiation and resolution.
Finally, Saucedo discussed the constraints imposed by the Railway Labor Act (RLA) on airline industry unions. He explained that the RLA prolongs the bargaining process, as contracts do not expire but enter an amendable period, often stretching negotiations over years without pay raises or improvements. He shared how members sometimes misunderstand their limited ability to strike, describing the lengthy process required before self-help measures become legal. Despite these obstacles, Saucedo highlighted the power of union rallies, like the Teamsters’ recent demonstration in Chicago, as critical leverage to accelerate negotiations and keep the fight for fair contracts alive.
For more from Saucedo, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.