Understandably, employees want to work under fair contract conditions. However, when an employment contract expires and negotiations for new terms do not go well, it is not unusual for it to take years to come to a final agreement. Additionally, it is possible for more conflict to arise during that time.
New York readers may be interested in a dispute currently underway in another state. According to reports, American Airlines and its mechanics have been at odds over contract terms for some time. Now, the airline is accusing its mechanics of intentionally slowing down their work on airplane repairs in order to cause delays and cancellations of flights. The airline filed a lawsuit against the workers in efforts to have what it perceives as an illegal slowdown brought to an end.
A union representative for the mechanics stated that the airline is simply trying to punish workers for doing their jobs. The employees are working to make sure that each plane is safe and suitable for flight and are not trying to intentionally slow down operations in an effort to gain leverage in the contract discussions. It was noted that the current issues regarding the contract relate to health care benefits, job security and pay.
Employment contracts are important agreements for employee-employer relationships. Unfortunately, when negotiations stall, it can take years to reach new terms and, as this case shows, further complications could result. If New York workers believe that their contracts are unfair or that negotiations are not going as they should, they may wish to gain information on their legal options.
