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. According to IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin, “This agreement is a major step forward for our members who dedicate themselves to training the next generation of air traffic controllers. 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 new contract includes a 3% annual wage increase each year over its term. Members living outside Oklahoma City will receive an additional $30 daily travel reimbursement to offset commuting costs. The agreement also enhances holiday and peak-period incentives, providing increased daily bonuses for those working during weeks with federal holidays and between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Additional provisions include protections for veterans services, such as language granting IAM’s Veterans Services Department annual facility access to assist members with VA claims. Other contractual updates address key areas of the collective bargaining agreement.
The IAM Union negotiating committee highlighted ongoing challenges in attracting new instructors and maintaining work-life balance, noting that many members regularly work double shifts or up to 17-hour days to fulfill FAA training requirements.
Ben Moody, IAM Union District 171 President and Directing Business Representative, stated: “Our members take tremendous pride in their work and in the critical role they play in our nation’s aviation safety. 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.
