Union organizing Vegas workers

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 845 (IAM) has begun efforts to represent ramp workers of Las Vegas-based National Airlines.

The IAM is attempting to represent about 91 employees in National's Las Vegas station who guide planes to gates, load and unload baggage and handle behind-the-counter baggage transfers.

The union, which represents 620 air transport workers at four airlines in Las Vegas, has begun gathering signatures of National employees. Tim Klima, a Minneapolis-based special representative for the IAM, said the union was approached by National employees.

National Airlines Chief Executive Officer Mike Conway said the airline's benefit package compares favorably to any new company, not just new airlines. He said other National employees have been approached with "a smattering of postcard-type solicitations," but the IAM is the first union to gather signatures.

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