IBT Airline Division Hosts Bargaining Committee Training

The IBT Airline Division provided a two-day training for the United Mechanics bargaining committee in preparation for upcoming negotiations. The program, which was held at the Teamsters Local 856 union hall in San Bruno, California, was conducted by Richard Lipsitz, an instructor with the IBT Training and Development Department and Business Agent for Teamsters Local 264.

The bargaining committee members flew in from around the county to attend this program that covered a range of topics from President Obama’s economic program and how it impacts collective bargaining, to table tactics and communicating with members during the bargaining process.

Paul Alves, International Representative for the Airline Division, gave an overview of the Railway Labor Act and discussed the history of bargaining with United Airlines. He also gave the participants time to ask specific questions about the law and negotiations.

The bargaining committee engaged in exercises that gave them the opportunity to experience the process and deal with specific issues that might arise during the course of negotiations.

“This training showed us new ways to look at issues and how to effectively present items during the negotiations process,” said Bob Fisher, bargaining committee member from Teamsters Local 210 in New York.

Ken Meidinger, committee member from Local 961 in Denver added, “It was helpful to discuss how the economy and other issues outside of the workplace influence negotiations. This program was very useful.”