United Outsourcing More than Allowed, Mechanics Allege

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association at United Airlines claims the carrier is outsourcing more of its maintenance than allowed under the labor contract with its mechanics.

The mechanics union plans to discuss today the results of an independent maintenance audit by accounting and consulting firm Moss Adams LLP.

According to the union, outsourcing is 50 percent above limits in the labor contract.

United Airlines spokeswoman Robin Urbanski said in an e-mail, "The union selected an independent firm to audit the amount of work contracted out using a method approved by all parties, and this audit clearly verified we are well within our contractual limit.

"It is inappropriate for this auditor to perform a second review using an unauthorized calculation that is different from what all parties approved and have used for 10 years without dispute," Urbanski wrote. "We will discuss this issue directly with the union."

In a statement Friday, Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association Local 9 president Joseph Prisco said the audit "also supports AMFA's position that UAL abdicated responsibility for direct performance of safety sensitive aircraft maintenance to an extent that is neither contractually permitted nor in the best interest of the traveling public."

He added that United Airlines parent UAL has reduced its maintenance workforce by more than 50 percent in the past six years.

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