San Francisco International Airport’s AirTrain workers on strike

“Alstom respects the collective bargaining process,” the statement said. “While union members working on the SFO AirTrain have chosen to strike, we continue to negotiate in good faith with IBEW and remain committed to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.”

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 617, the union representing AirTrain workers in central operations and maintenance, said in a March 9 press release that Alstom has not been bargaining in good faith since the workers’ contract expired in February, alleging the company has posted false information about contract proposals and canceled bargaining sessions.

“Alstom has been dragging their feet,” IBEW Local 617 Business Manager Scott Wein said. “We’re trying to get fair and equitable wages for the people that keep the AirTrain moving.”

The AirTrain is operated with a high-voltage electrical system that makes electrical and maintenance workers crucial for keeping the train running, Wein said.

“It’s a service that has to be maintained regularly, and it is a very dangerous job,” he said. “It is the lifeblood of getting people around at the airport.”

The AirTrain employees are asking for wage increases to keep up with the rising cost of living and paid time off for employees that work 24/7 schedules, the press release said. The union has a mediation appointment with Alstom and a federal mediation service scheduled for March 20, Wein said.

AirTrain workers are paid less than their equivalent counterparts at city-run operations like San Francisco’s Muni, Wein said, however, he couldn’t immediately provide information on base pay.

Union members are united in search of a better contract, AirTrain employee Jaime Martinez said in the press release.

“I’ve worked at the AirTrain for over 20 years and have been a steward in four rounds of contract negotiations,” he said. “I’ve never seen this group as united as they are now. We’re sick of Alstom’s unfair labor practices, their insults in bargaining, and we’re standing together for our future.”