As an A&P mechanic and a pilot, I say ***, I guess i need more details than the above article. The highest paying job I have had is 26.87 an hour. 43 an hour is more than what typical pilots make. I mean seriously over 80g's a year and thats if you dont work overtime. Also not having to pay into a health care package.... Jeez.... what more could they possibly be asking for?

To get to keep it. Every contract offer from UPS has been concessionary.
Our mechanics aren't typical and the only typical pilots who are paid that little fly for the commuters.

I guess I am old and cynical... $43 is not enough for a skilled mech. For UPS you need five years turbine exp before they will consider you. Two years to earn the ticket plus five equal seven years of training / apprentice to get in the door... another five years to reach top of the scale.. twelve years total. $43 is not enough. I am sorry, but mechanics are very guilty of selling themselves short. I was a regional pilot and airline mech for many years so I have done the low pay myself. My first airline job paid $6/hr. Do you think the pax would have been ok with a $6/hr mech R&R'ing an engine on their aircraft (first flight of the day)?
$43 is not enough!

I agree with this completely.

Whatever!! Our mechs make near 100k and are compensated rather nicely. They are not asking for more money as they know they are at the top of the industry. They want job guarantees and they are wise for making that a top issue. I bet they'll kick in a little for health care though.

Just because you want to sell your skills on the cheap doesn't mean other skilled A@P's should. I personally have 25 yrs experience on DC-9, DC-10, MD-11, A320, 727, 757, 777. I think and I expect to be compensated accordingly for my experience and I am as a maintenence controller. Companies do not appreciate it they think a mechanic is a mechanic...But someone who has experience is really worth his weight in gold. But good luck getting any airline to acknowledge that.

I thought 43 an hour was base for all mechs.... thats how I read it anyways.... Makes sense if it is the top of the pay scale.

I've done the low paying job as well, 13 an hour to overhaul the big Rolls Royce engines. Luckily I am about as multifaceted as a Mechanic can be. I am qualified to work on just about any turbine helicopter in the industry, and I also hold the Maintenance officer position for a local fixed wing flying club. I hold an FCC Avionics license with Radar endorsement. I also have nearly 1700 hours of flight time as a Crew Chief/Flight Engineer on helicopters, with about 1/3rd of that being 1 to 2 hour test flights at a time. And as I said before, Im a PPL progressing to Comercial all on my own dime. I broke 100 g's in 09 and I'm only 27 years old.

I agree a contract for employment would be nice, but honestly where in any industry can you find that kind of contract in the states. I currently live and work in Europe, and have spent most of the last 2 years here. They have rules and contracts here, they give 6 weeks vacation, and 2 weeks sick time, and paid medical to all employees, but this comes at a cost of 50% of their income going to German taxes.

I dont agree with holding out and striking so they can have a lifetime contract. No one else in the States gets this privilege, what makes them so special?

I understand your resentment and jealousy but how can you say no one else gets this privledge? 1 out of 5 employees in the US are government employees and I will bet the majority have a gig that good.

Good luck to the mechs I hope they can get what ever they can get. As should you, it would improve the earning potential of all mechanics.

You think those job benefits in Europe just appeared out of thin air, without any organized labor action?

My job in Europe is with a US company that can, and have, laid me off with a drop of a hat, comes with the territory of the pay. I dont get over time until I work 48 hours in a week, I only get 2 weeks vacation and have to vest to get that, if they lay me off, the clock starts over. I pay quite a bit for health care for my family as well. But you wont catch me complaining because i am lucky. 1) I have a job in this economy. 2) It provides for me and my family. 3) I make enough to pay for my flight time and still be very well off.

Europeans dont make as much in pay, but get better benefits.... thats my point, get a contract for so many years then take a pay cut knowing you are safe with a job, and good benefits. It seems like the UPS teamsters want their cake and to eat it to.