United Airlines enters into pre-employment agreements with union

United Airlines reached preliminary agreements with a union representing nearly 30,000 ground workers, the union said Wednesday.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said the preliminary two-year agreements cover “industry-leading” wage rates, as well as job protections and certain protections against outsourcing. The specific terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

The deal is done as United negotiates with unions representing its pilots and flight attendants. The pilots rejected a tentative agreement last year and talks have since resumed.

Members of IAM District 141 will receive more information about the preliminary agreements, the union said in a statement. The Union will soon announce a vote schedule for ratification.

“Job security and industry-leading pay are rightfully the top two priorities for our United Airlines membership,” said Tom Regan, airline coordinator for IAM’s Air Transport Territory.

IAM District 141 said in a statement that if the agreements are ratified by members, the union will “return to negotiations one year from the date these agreements were ratified to agree on more.”

The two-year pre-agreements cover seven job categories: fleet workers, passenger service workers, storekeepers, central load planners, maintenance instructors, fleet technical instructors, and security officers.