Video: CAFB Union Workers Get Good News

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — Hundreds of civilian workers at Columbus Air Force Base can breathe a sigh of relief.

Union leadership was told today L-3 Communications plans no major changes when it takes over the maintenance contract at Columbus Air Force Base Dec. 1. The Pentagon awarded the$ 281 million, seven-year contract to L-3 over DynCorp after a 20-month process. DynCorp has been at the base since 1988 and could appeal the decision.

L-3 told union leaders they’ll honor the current four-year contract which expires June 30, 2013. The company and workers will have to negotiate a new deal then.

In the meantime, fears of lost wages can be put aside.

“Currently we expect a smooth transition with L-3 Communications. We don’t expect any layoffs, loss of jobs or benefits or salary, etc. We expect business as usual,” explained Danny Woodcock, president of IUE-CWA Local 83770 for the last 17 years.

The union organized at CAFB in 1991.

The only uncertainty for workers is whether DynCorp appeals. That could delay a transition for weeks while the Pentagon considers the case.