Flight Simulator Technicians in Miami and Denver working for Airbus and represented by TWU Local 525 recently ratified a new five-year contract that locks in a 20 percent raise, along with other significant benefits.
The Flight Simulator Technicians set up the massive simulators, which need to be constantly reconfigured to mimic different Airbus aircraft. They also maintain and install the flight simulators along with smaller simulators that train pilots from many different airlines. Currently, TWU members at Local 525 maintain and operate 13 large simulators in Miami and Denver.
“This negotiation strung out for a period of time, but we kept focused on delivering for our members,” said Local 525 President Kevin Smith. “Our Flight Simulator Technicians do critical work, and are sometimes called in at 3am to fix and maintain complicated flight simulators that are in constant use.”
The Flight Simulator Technicians have been part of Local 525 since 2006.
The latest contract also comes with a $15,000 signing bonus, bigger lead shift differentials, and a commitment that healthcare costs will not increase over the duration of the contract.
“This is a significant deal for our Flight Simulator Technicians and this agreement reflects months of hard work, collaboration, and advocacy to secure meaningful improvements and a stronger foundation for our members,” said TWU Air Division Director Andre Sutton.