US Airways and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 141 announced they have reached a tentative agreement on a single contract for the airline's 7,700 ramp and baggage handling employees.

The tentative agreement, which is subject to ratification, establishes new wages and makes other improvements for the airline's baggage handlers and ramp personnel.

The IAM is releasing details of the agreement soon. A ratification vote schedule has not yet been set. The new agreement becomes amendable on Dec. 31, 2011.

"This announcement moves us even closer to our goal of bringing all of our represented work groups to single labor agreements, and we appreciate the hard work of our company and union negotiators to achieve this tentative agreement," said Doug Parker, chairman and CEO of US Airways.

Vice President, Labor Relations Al Hemenway added, "We are extremely pleased to have reached a mutually beneficial tentative agreement that recognizes the contributions and efforts of our fleet service employees."

The IAM also represents US Airways' maintenance and related employees, and just yesterday announced that mechanics in IAM District 142 had ratified a new agreement that expires at the end of 2011. US Airways has reached prior unified agreements with the CWA/IBT, which represents the airline's reservations agents and passenger service employees; and with the Transport Workers Union (TWU), representing flight dispatchers, instructors and engineers.