Eastern Runs Ads for Mechanics; Union Scoffs at Move
Eastern Airlines began advertising for mechanics Sunday, but machinists union officials said the ads were merely ploys to lure striking mechanics over the picket line.
“All of it is for purely psychological reasons,” said Jim Lewis, treasurer of Machinists Local 702. “It’s the same stuff they’ve been doing for years here: ‘See if we can beat them down.’ ”
Eastern took out ads in newspapers in 10 cities Sunday seeking mechanics to replace machinists union members who have been on strike since March 4.
The Miami-based carrier was almost grounded when pilots honored picket lines, and the airline filed for bankruptcy protection four days into the strike.
The airline started hiring new pilots in the strike’s first month and had added 264 as of Friday. Two pilots have already completed training; the rest are still being trained. The airline also has begun hiring and training new flight attendants.
Eastern spokesman Robin Matell said wages offered new mechanics will range from $10 to $18 an hour. That is about what the company was paying the machinists when the union struck, refusing wage cuts of more than a third for some members.
The newspaper ads say: “Understand that given the current strike . . . your assignment at Eastern may require you to perform services or replace employees involved in a labor dispute. But also understand that this is an unprecedented opportunity for growth and success.”
Strike in Third Month
Lewis said handfuls of strikers “have dribbled across” the picket lines. The strike is in its third month. He said he didn’t expect large numbers to go back because of Eastern’s new offer.
He added that it takes up to two years to fully train a mechanic to work on jetliners. Eastern officials said they couldn’t estimate how long it might take to train new mechanics.
The company plans to hire 500 non-union mechanics in the next few months.
“We’ve said we have to rebuild the airline and the unions flat-out have said they will not come back for current management,” Matell said. “I don’t think it should come as a surprise.”
Under its rebuilding plan, Eastern wants 2,500 mechanics. The company had more than that when the machinists union, which also represents ramp agents, janitors and other ground workers, walked out.
