Some Six Flags Magic Mountain workers are threatening to go on strike if no agreement is reached soon on a new healthcare and paid leave agreement. If the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and Six Flags Theme Parks Inc. do not reach an agreement by Dec. 31, workers say they will strike Jan. 1. The theme park did not respond to a request Friday from the Business Journal. But in an earlier email to the Los Angeles Daily News, Sue Carpenter, Six Flags’ communications manager, said: “Six Flags Magic Mountain has always had a very positive relationship with the local union, and we are continuing to negotiate in good faith.” She indicated the park would remain open if there were a strike. The union workers are machinists, electricians, welders and the like who maintain the rides, among other duties. The park classifies its employees as full time or seasonal, and the union is asking the company to extend full benefits to all bargaining unit employees who work more than 30 hours a week, regardless of how they are classified. For seasonal employees who work less than 30 hours a week, the union is also asking the company to offer paid leave for bereavement and jury duty. “’We need to get a comprehensive package for these people who, due to manipulations of hours or job classification, are getting denied this benefit,” said Sal Vasquez, president District Lodge 947 of the machinist’s union, in a statement. International Association of Machinists are resuming talks today under a federal mediator to reach an agreement.
