
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 2, 1994                   TAG: 9406030004
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: C-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: PITTSBURGH                                LENGTH: Short

CREW STAFF SUE USAIR TO THWART

Three ground crew workers and a union trying to organize USAir sued the airline Wednesday in an effort to block plans to subcontract more than 600 freight and mail jobs.

The United Steelworkers of America said in the suit filed in U.S. District Court that Arlington, Va.-based USAir was simply trying to weaken union campaigns to organize the workers.

The airline announced the subcontracting plans May 20, three days after a majority of 7,687 ground crew workers voted for union representation. The workers, who handle baggage and cargo, must vote again in a runoff election to choose either the Steelworkers or the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

USAir spokeswoman Andrea Butler said the company is trying to save money, not interfere with the unions. The average freight employee makes $17.88 an hour, she said.

In February, USAir subcontracted freight and mail handling in 21 cities for an annual savings of about $1.5 million, she said. The plans to subcontract 600 more jobs in 35 cities, including Roanoke, are expected to save the ailing company about $10 million a year.

The suit asks the court to halt the plans to begin subcontracting the jobs July 3. The suit also asks that workers be reinstated with back pay if unfair labor practices are proven.

The three ground crew workers named as plaintiffs in the suit work at Pittsburgh International Airport, where the airline maintains its hub.

by CNB