Formal bargaining begins with a focus on noneconomic items like work rules, grievance procedures and cleaning up outdated language in the contract. As discussions continue, talks traditionally transition to economic topics like wages and benefits.

Proposals and counterproposals are passed back and forth as the two sides try to reach agreements. The process takes time and sometimes not all items are resolved. But both parties are required to engage in good faith attempts to reach agreement.

As talks continue into the summer, the IAM plans to hold a strike authorization vote in July. That’s when union leaders will ask members to grant them permission to call a strike if a new contract is not in place by the time the current one expires. This procedural step does not necessarily mean there is a breakdown in negotiations, or that a strike will actually occur.