News Updates
Airline Division News, Week Ending February 5, 2012
February 5, 2012
Tentative Agreement Reached for the Pilots of Cape Air
Capping off a tainted vote process that brought an in house union on the property, resulting in the NMB ordering a new election that returned the IBT to the property by a wide margin, on February 2nd, the Airline Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced that they had reached Tentative Agreement on a four-year contract for the pilots of the carrier.
IBT Airline Division international representative Captain Scott Hegland noted, “One year and ten months since negotiations resumed, I have the pleasure to announce that a Tentative Agreement has been reached between the IBT, representing the Cape Air Pilots and Cape Air Management. These negotiations have been a high water mark in my many years of negotiations. Never before have I been party to such a collaborative effort by all the parties involved.”
“We are enormously pleased with the hard work of both parties in reaching this accord,” said Dan Wolf, CEO of the airline. “This agreement is fair to our pilots and to the airline and is representative of the employee-oriented company that we are,” added Wolf.
"I cannot adequately express how grateful I am to the people involved in getting the Cape Air pilots their first contract,” said Captain Marilyn Rhude, Cape Air Executive Council Chairperson, who added, “Through countless hours of research, discussions, debates and compromises we have sculpted a tentative agreement of which we can all be proud.”
The agreement provides detailed rules governing all aspects of the employment relationship, including schedules, pay and base bid rights for the airline’s 160 pilots based throughout the U.S, including the Caribbean and Micronesia. The contract is the first to be written and agreed to by the parties.
Scott Hegland added, “My thanks to Captain David Bourne, Director of the IBT's Airline Division, for his never ending commitment to the Cape Air Pilots and to see his vision of a "new approach" to Labor/ Management relationships. His steady leadership and progressive ideals have become the benchmark in the Airline Division’s negotiations throughout the industry.”
Captain Rhude noted, "This was a pretty big learning curve for many of us and we would not have been as successful without the guidance, knowledge and patience that our IBT partners brought to the table. I am especially grateful to Teamster Airline Division Director David Bourne, who ensured we always had the resources necessary to get the job finished and to CEO Dan Wolf and his negotiating team, who met us at the table with open minds, a willingness to create a solid and fair first contract and the mutual desire to preserve that which makes Cape Air unique. This is an endeavor in which I am honored to have been a part."
“This is a great airline working with committed partners in the IBT. A mutually-beneficial contract was created by both of these strong teams,” said Dan Wolf. Wolf and IBT Airline Division Director David Bourne are expected to participate in some of the meetings to discuss the new contract with pilots beginning February 6, 2012.
The contract will be presented to the airline’s pilots in a series of base meetings in the next three weeks and then will be subject to a ratification vote by the pilots in late February. The aim of both sides is to have a new contract in place by March 1, 2012.
Horizon Mechanics turn Out for PDX craft meeting.
Craft Meetings were held on February 2nd in Portland for the Horizon (QX) mechanics. The meeting was hosted by Business Agent Dave Saucedo and Chief Steward John Cox.
In response to questions from the floor; Local Union 986 Principal Officer and Secretary Treasurer, Chris Griswold gave a financial presentation explaining how the Local allocates its funds. Along with a reading of the local Profit and Loss statement, Griswold answered questions from the members and encouraged them to visit the Department of Labor website to view the Local's finances. Said Griswold, "we are completely transparent with our finances and want our members to know where their money goes."
TAMC Chairman Chris Moore did a brief presentation on the recently implemented License Protection Program and the value it provides to all Teamster Aviation Mechanics.
Dave Saucedo and John Cox covered Local QX maintenance issues, including a major victory this week when the Teamsters showed their power by shutting down a proposed attendance policy change before the company was able to enforce it. Dave Saucedo, who was responsible for the behind the scenes work that thwarted the program said, "The ability to stop this policy change is just another example of how the Local Union, working in concert with the Teamster Airline Division, was able to work swiftly and firmly to protect the interests of our members."
NetJets Dispatchers Hold “Meet and Greet” to Learn about Benefits of Membership
On Wednesday February 1st the NetJets Negotiating Committee and Stewards met with Local 284 Secretary/Treasurer and Business Representative Paul Suffoletto and International Representative Captain Paul Alves from the Teamster’s Airline Division. Also in attendance were members of the Technician's Negotiating Committee to also lend their support for upcoming negotiations.
Alves described to the group the processes and dynamics that will take place during the course of the negotiations. The discussion continued with emphasis on the first order of business to negotiate an “interim protocol agreement” with the Company to insure a smooth transition to an eventual tentative agreement. He made it very clear that solidarity and unity are critical to the process and also made it clear to the group that the International and the Airline Division would provide every support needed to achieve a solid contract.
The group emphasized the importance of regaining "merit raises." Captain Alves described this Company’s action on the merit raises as not the way to treat a highly skilled, invaluable work force.
“I can't tell you how reassuring it was to know that not only will Captain Alves be helping us,” said Negotiating Committee member Fred Larkins. In additional to his help, we will also have IBT Representative Traey Liggett, a former United Airlines pilot to assist us along with the various departments and experts from the International. We are most grateful to have their skills and expertise.”
“The Negotiating Committee is working hard to develop a strategy that includes an Interim Agreement to be the first order of business that we hope to have signed in the near future. The negotiations process will take us all eventually out from the unprotected world of being “at-will” employees to the protected world of “contracted” employees, a key for our future success,” Larkins concluded.
Teamsters Join With Other Unions, Call for a “Clean” FAA Reauthorization Bill
Joining with seventeen other labor unions, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters added their voice in the call for Congress to pass a clean FAA Reauthorization bill this past week.
In a press release dated January 30th, the unions, the UAW; Communications Workers of America; Association of Flight Attendants-CWA; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; American Federation of Government Employees; International Association of Machinists; Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen-IBT; Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees-IBT; Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen; Service Employees Local 32BJ-National Conference of Fireman and Oilers; Sheet Metal Workers; United Steelworkers; Teamsters; American Train Dispatchers Association; Transportation Communications Union-IAM; Amalgamated Transit Union; United Transportation Union; UniteHere. In the joint statement, the unions said:
“We remain strongly committed to passage of a clean FAA Reauthorization bill. An aviation safety and security bill is no place to impose unrelated and controversial labor provisions that will ultimately serve to harm both airline and railroad workers. The proposed Railway Labor Act changes would drastically rewrite a statute that was crafted by labor-management cooperation and has not been changed for over 75 years without the agreement of both employer and employee representatives. Airline and rail workers would suffer significant losses as contracts are jettisoned, collective bargaining rights are cut and legal hurdles will be placed in the way of gaining a voice at work.
A rewrite of long standing labor law deserves proper and due consideration through the normal deliberative process. Acting otherwise directly conflicts with the non-partisan recommendations of the 1994 Report of the Dunlop Commission on the Future of Worker-Management Relations. This is particularly true of this law which was uniquely created through labor and management negotiations. Unilaterally changing that law without labor’s input and without due deliberation threatens to unravel its carefully balanced goals of labor stability and uninterrupted commerce.
Rewarding the House Republican Leadership’s desire to rewrite decades of long standing labor law in a flash by inserting an unrelated and controversial labor provision in a much needed aviation safety and security bill, without notice, hearing, or debate, sets an extremely dangerous precedent. We urge the Senate to delete the provisions of the bill that would amend the RLA and pass the clean FAA Reauthorization that all concerned recognize this country sorely needs and supports.”
Parent Company of World Airways, North American Airlines Files for Bankruptcy
On Sunday, Global Aviation Holdings Inc., the parent company of World Airways, Inc., North American Airlines, Inc. and other subsidiaries, filed voluntary petitions to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. During the restructuring, the Company and its subsidiaries will continue to operate as normal, without interruption.
Airline Industry News
Government and Regulatory
House and Senate aviation leaders have approved a $63 billion four-year reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration, which includes compromises on several difficult issues…Congress will require the Federal Aviation Administration to mandate automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast "in" equipment for some aircraft by 2020…Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ga., plans to introduce a bill to overturn a Department of Transportation rule that requires airlines to include taxes and fees in advertised fares.
Industry and Labor
U.S. airlines are concerned that customers could face sticker shock as taxes and fees are now included in airline fares… AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines, reported a loss of $904 million for December after filing for bankruptcy Nov. 29. The loss included write-downs to Boeing 757 aircraft, as well as reorganization costs. However, AMR Corp. ended 2011 with $4 billion in available liquidity…Delta Air Lines is considering making an offer for US Airways, sources say. Delta, the second-largest U.S. airline by traffic, is also said to be studying the merits of a merger with American Airlines.
Republic Airways Holdings plans to spin off or sell subsidiary Frontier Airlines in six to 12 months…
Investment firm Manning Napier, the third-largest shareholder of US Airways, has been buying more shares as the carrier trims capacity. The firm held 5.2% of US Airways stock as of Oct. 1… American Airlines parent AMR Corp. has unveiled its plan of action to save $2 billion in annual costs by cutting 13,000 jobs and seeking union approval to drop its traditional pension plans.
The Cleveland Volcano in Alaska could discharge an ash cloud, which could interrupt air travel over the region.
UAL/CAL/CMI Mechanics Weekly Update - February 2, 2012
February 2, 2012
PHLMM Reopening
Twelve sub-United mechanics will soon be headed home as a result of the new agreement. It is expected that these members will be back in Philadelphia by April 1st. Ralph Salzano; Business Agent from Local 210 has been working with Mark Prpich from Labor Relations to ensure that the recalls are processed properly. Philadelphia and Newark were opened for sub-United mechanics as a result of LOA 30 which was a settlement to the line closing arbitration case.
Fleet Plan Released
In a recent SEC 8K filing, United has indicated that it will add four 787 aircraft by the end of the year and retire four 767 aircraft. There will be several 757 aircraft retired as well. Thanks to Seattle Chief Steward Jock Creach for passing on this information.
The filing may be read by clicking on the following link: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/100517/000119312512024301/d290195dex992.htm
Payroll and Benefit Issues Continue
While the company is working to implement the new changes on the sub-United side of the house, issues continue to be reported. If you notice an error in your pay or are having difficulties with benefits please report them to Airline Division Rep Bob Fisher at rcfisher7@yahoo.com. Bob has been working with members of management to bring these issues to quick resolution.
Principal Officers and Business Agents Conference Moved
The meeting that was scheduled for February 9th has been moved to the 10th due to some scheduling conflicts. As previously reported the meeting will be used to establish steering, negotiating and seniority integration committees.
Resource Utilization
A meeting was held in downtown Chicago last Friday to discuss the company’s plan for narrow body resource utilization. The company focused on what they envision will happen after they merge the reservations systems in March. The parties discussed how mechanics will be utilized when the company starts changing cities to which aircraft fly. While no agreement was reached at this meeting, significant progress was made. In attendance for the Union were Division Director Bourne, International Representatives Clacy Griswold, Paul Alves and Bob Fisher, IBT Legal counsel Ed Gleason and Local 19 Principal Officer Robert Rasch. In attendance for the Company were Doug McKeen, Jim Keenan, Joe Ferreira, Mark Mounsey, Marcel Delhommeau, Cathy Kassley, Don Wright, and Jeff Wall.
Local 210 Puts Out a Call for Proposals
To begin the process of negotiating a new joint collective bargaining agreement Local 210 has issued a call for proposals. A link to the notice can be found here: www.ibt210mx.typepad.com
JBA/SBA Process Discussed
On the Business Agents call International Representative Paul Alves talked about the work required to integrate these third step processes in the future. Paul pointed out where he noticed areas of strength in each system and emphasized the need to take the best of both of these programs for the final product.
Legislative Update
On January 31st, rank and file members from IAD attended the Aero Club lunch in DC. The keynote speaker was Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. The Secretary discussed the importance of the passage of a new FAA Authorization Bill. Audience members were encouraged to ask questions and there was a discussion of Next Gen items that are already in place. Secretary LaHood emphasized the need for infrastructure spending to update the antiquated air transport system in this country. Members in attendance were Tom Reid and Jay Koreny of IAD and they were joined by Division Director David Bourne, Assistant Director Steve Nagrotsky, International Representative Bob Fisher and Jack Albertine from the Albertine Group.
Useful Links
Several members, including those on furlough status, have requested links to Local websites be added to this section. The following Locals represent these respective cities:
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Airline Mechanics Forum |
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Boston |
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New York & Washington |
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Charleston & Atlanta |
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Miami & Orlando |
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Cleveland |
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Chicago |
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Houston, Dallas & New Orleans |
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Phoenix |
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Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Hawaii & Guam |
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Denver |
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Airline Division News, Week Ending January 29, 2012
January 30, 2012
Citation Air Negotiations Begin
The CitationAir pilots negotiating committee met January 10th – 12th, for bargaining with management at corporate headquarters in Greenwich, Connecticut.
International Representative Rick Dubinsky reports that consistent with the previous bargaining sessions for this newly organized pilot group, the atmosphere during negotiations was cordial, professional and productive. Important progress was made on certain documents and understandings between the parties, the most important of which was a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP).
Negotiations will resume next month when the parties next meet February 7th – 9th, again in Greenwich, Connecticut.
XJT Negotiations Update
This week marked the first week of negotiations with the participation of a Federal Mediator.
The Mediator met separately with both parties and there were also face to face meetings with proposals exchanged. Tentative Agreement was reached on Section 21- System Board of Arbitration. The Union also presented their proposal on Moving Expenses.
The company has notified the union that they do not feel obligated to accept the previous tentative agreements that have been reached on various contract sections. While the union believes these previous tentative agreements to be reasonable and the companies’ insistence on this approach will slow down the process of obtaining a fair successor contract; if the company insists on introducing new proposals on previously agreed upon issues, the union will bargain with the company in good faith. This would also mean that the union would also be free to introduce new proposals.
The Company has indicated that it wants to give the Union and its negotiating committee an updated financial presentation; the parties are discussing the scheduling of the meeting.
The Mediator has scheduled the next round of negotiations for February 15th, 16th and 17th in Philadelphia.
Airline Industry News
Governmental and Regulatory
Airline Industry and Labor
US Airways confirms that it is looking into a merger with American Airlines…American Airlines said employees whose pension plans are vested will not have their benefits reduced despite the bankruptcy filing by the carrier's parent company, AMR Corp…DHL Express USA plans to expand operations at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport…Flight Attendants at USAirways Express could go on strike…The pilots union for Air Canada says the carrier has turned its back on federal conciliation…Flight Instructors at Southwest and AirTran have reached a deal on seniority.
Republic Airways Holdings appointed David Siegel as CEO, president and interim chief operating officer of Frontier Airlines. Republic has said it is considering selling or spinning off Frontier Airlines. Siegel previously served as CEO of US Airways Group.
UAL/CAL/CMI Mechanics Weekly Update - January 25, 2012
January 25, 2012
Negotiations Continue at Continental Micronesia
Negotiators were at the table from Monday through Wednesday last week with significant progress reported towards achieving the goals that would provide the membership with an acceptable agreement.
The meetings concluded with the parties focused on the intent of concluding negotiations for the sub Continental Micronesia mechanics agreement. The parties discussed the remaining open economic items including; health care, retirement, wages and job protection provisions.
The Negotiating Committee remains determined to put the CMI membership in a position of equity with the agreements previously reached with both the sub Continental and sub United mechanics. Future negotiation dates are yet to be determined, but the parties are committed to completing this process in the most expeditious manner possible.
UAL CAL Safety Representatives Discuss Future
The Teamsters Flight Safety Committee is dictated to the continued protection of the aircraft mechanics and the flying public through and aggressive safety program.
Sub-UAL Flight Safety Committee Chairman John Fischbach hosted a conference call on Thursday January 19th for the Union Flight Safety Committee members from United and Continental. A vibrant conversation ensued around Sub-UAL CBA LOA 21and what the safety structure of the combined Airline might look like. Also discussed was the company’s SMS program which include LOSA and MSAP/ASAP.
The Safety Representatives attending all agreed that the call was productive and a good start. The group is also is going to continue meeting via regular conference calls and is looking at ways to facilitate face to face meetings as they develop a safety culture for the combined work group.
Participating in the call were: Mike Elberhart CAL (MCO), P.T. Thomas UAL (Local FSC Chair-ORD), John Gensinger (Local FSC Chair-JFK), Vic Austin UAL (Local FSC Chair-DEN), Robert Gubran LAX (Local FSC Chair-LAX), Chris Moore IBT-AD Safety Coordinator (CAL), Rich Petrovsky (Business Agent- Local 986-UAL), Bill Grader UAL (Local FSC Chair-PDX), Jock Creech UAL (Local FSC Chair-SEA) and John Fischbach, IBT (System and SFO FSC Chair)
EAP Committee meets with Airline Division
On January 24th members of the national sub UA EAP committee met with representatives of the Airline Division to discuss strategy moving forward to protect this program for the membership. This program provides a valuable service to the membership as an avenue to seek help for a multitude of problems the membership faces in their everyday lives, from help with various addictions to family issues and everything in between.
In attendance were EAP Reps Caleb Good, Mike Brooks, Steve Loone, and Joe Schwirian as well as Division Director David Bourne, Deputy Director Steve Nagrotsky and International Representative Bob Fisher.
Furloughed Members Urged to Keep In Touch
Members on furlough are advised to keep their addresses current with the company while on layoff. It is predicted that there will be many movements this year and there have been several members that have been removed from the seniority list because old addresses were on file when notices were sent.
Updates may be emailed to: ESC@united.com
Useful Links
Several members, including those on furlough status, have requested links to Local websites be added to this section. The following Locals represent these respective cities:
Airline Mechanics Forum Airline Mechanics forum
Boston-Local 25 Local 25
New York & Washington Local 210
Charleston & Atlanta Local 528
Miami & Orlando Local 769
Cleveland Local 964
Chicago Local 781
Houston, Dallas & New Orleans Local 19
Phoenix Local 104
Seattle, Portland,
Los Angeles, Hawaii & Guam Local 856/986
Denver Local 455
UAL/CAL/CMI Mechanics Weekly Update - January 18, 2012
January 18, 2012
Insurance Updates
All members should be seeing new insurance cards arriving in the near future. The name and logo were changed and for some plans the group number, which prompted the need for the re-issuance of cards. In addition the company has put out notices to re-certify your dependents on the intranet. ?
For sub United members that continued the Continental American LTD policy there was some confusion from the new insurance administrator, Hewitt AON. Members were calling the benefits center and were being told they no longer had this coverage. This is not a company provided benefit and will continue. The confusion arose because the deduction is now done monthly instead of bi-weekly. For those members paid weekly the premium will come out on the third check of the month.
For sub Continental members the following is from the CAL benefits review committee:
As mentioned in the last Benefits Review Committee update, the first benefits review committee meeting of 2012 was held in MCO on January 5th at Local 769’s Orlando satellite office.
The Committee was given an overview of a grievance filed, referencing the CAL pilot’s pension & 401(k) contribution changes made when the pilots transitioned from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan during the concessionary negotiations. The information will be passed on to consultant Pete Hardcastle, and the committee believes this information will be valuable in the discussions when negotiations begin.
Hemant Berry, Asst. Director - IBT Benefits, gave an update on his findings pertaining to the 20% CAL medical premium calculations. In previous updates, the committee has informed you that bundles of information were being requested and analyzed. Hemant has found that some of the information requested was not complete. The total breakdown of some costs calculated in the “aggregate amount” was not broken down to specific items. In order to have an accurate calculation, this information is needed. IBT Counsel Nick Manicone will be sending a formal request to the Company, explaining the breakdown of the items needed. In short, the committee is requesting an itemized breakdown of CAL’s total cost for their self insured medical plans.
Union participants were: IBT Counsel Nick Manicone, IBT Assistant Director Benefits- Hemant Berry, Ralph Salzano BA LU 210, Tommy Esposito BA LU 769, Angel Cantu BA LU19, Dave Elmore BA LU 986, Audrey Scates CAL LAX Technician LU 986, Vinny Graziano CAL EWR Technician LU 210, Gary Kagel CAL MCO Technician LU 769, Bob Clever CAL IAH Technician LU 19 (absent), Joe Schwirian UAL SFO Technician LU 986, James J. Johns UAL DEN Technician LU 455, Larry Calhoun UAL EWR Technician LU 210, Roger Apana UAL HNL Technician LU 986
Guests were: Paul Becerra - MCO CAL Chief Shop Steward, Brian Wooley - MCO CAL Chief Shop Steward and George Valletta - MCO pension grievant
Steward Training
Last week, IBT Local Representatives met with the SFO steward group. This type of training will continue moving forward. What follows is the report of the training received;
As part of the process of moving forward with the newly ratified agreement, SFO Business Agents along with the Local Grievance and Negotiating committees spent the better part of last week meeting at Local 856 with Teamster representatives from Continental Airlines.
Ralph Salzano from Local 210, Angel Cantu and Dan Stunda from Local 19 and Dave Elmore from Local 986 brought their many years of experience of working under a Teamster Contract to this meeting. The committee was also joined by International Business Representative Clacy Griswold and fellow UAL Teamster representatives Dave Saucedo from Seattle and Dion Cornelius and Tony Ybarra from LAX.
The first two days concentrated on Bid Areas under Article 3 to line up the bid area numbers and experience requirements with the many shops and work areas that make up SFOMM and the Maintenance Base. Once these were established, the committee continued with the execution of the actual contract language. Many scenarios were discussed on several Articles giving the SFO representatives a clear understanding of the actual context of the newly negotiated language.
Thanks go out to Locals 19, 210, 856 and 986 for providing this invaluable experience.
Transition Update
For sub UA members there have been continual questions regarding the holiday pay premium. As was stated in previous editions of the Dispatch members will be paid the correct premium whether done in the check on the 26th or more likely an adjustment in the following pay check.
The no lunch provision continues to be a concern and the company has changed its position with regards to the application of the language. Members affected by the change in the company’s interpretation are advised to file grievances on the matter.
While the IBT works to correct this situation members are advised to utilize the thirty minute lunch period as described in Article 7.
Information for Members on Furlough
There have been many questions to the Division from members on furlough regarding recall rights in the new agreement. There have been no changes to the recall provisions from the last agreement. Members are advised to ensure they continue to keep their addresses updated with the company to make sure they are not bypassed.
Please keep in contact with your Local Representatives as well as they have the most up to date information on individual city openings.
Useful Links
Would you like to see a link added? If so contact either Chris Moore at cjm91@sbcglobal.net or Bob Fisher at rcfisher7@yahoo.com.
Airline Mechanics forum: http://airlinemechanics.org/yabb/YaBB.pl
Airline Division News - Week Ending December 31, 2011
December 31, 2011
UAL Teamster Mechanics and Related Ratify New Contract, Paving the Way for Joint Contract Discussions with CAL Counterparts
Teamster aircraft mechanics and related workers at United Airlines are ending the year on a high note with a new contract that was overwhelmingly ratified on Thursday. The new agreement; that provides for significant wage increases, maintenance of health care benefits and enhanced job security protections covers about 5,500 aircraft mechanics and related employees throughout the United States.
“This marks a historic day for Teamster United mechanics,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “They stood united for a better future and for big improvements at United. They should feel proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
“My congratulations go out to the negotiating committee for their dedication and perseverance in negotiating a strong Teamster contract. These hardworking Teamster mechanics and related workers deserve all the improvements negotiated in this agreement,” said Teamsters Airline Division Director Captain David Bourne.
Passage of the agreement is a major step toward achieving the ultimate goal of a single combined contract for the 9,000 Teamster mechanics at a merged United Airlines and Continental Airlines.
"Passage of this agreement was a real breakthrough and a major step toward achieving the ultimate goal of a single combined contract for the 9,000 mechanics at the new airline,” said Roger Apana, a mechanic from Honolulu and a member of the negotiating committee. “It feels good that we were able to achieve a $11,500 signing bonus along with restoring many of the items that were conceded in bankruptcy and securing the best job protections we've had in our 70-year history."
In response to the vote, the following message was sent to all UAL Mechanics and Related by their Negotiating Committee on Friday:
Yesterday the tentative agreement reached in November was ratified by a majority of the membership. The agreement will become effective January 1st 2012, but will require some work to implement transition items as described in LOA #27. There have been many questions about the transition to the new agreement including; when do the pay rates take effect, when will the overtime balances be zeroed and when will the bid areas become active?
The parties recognized that this agreement would require much work to implement and that not all items would be effective day 1. LOA #27 states “As the parties discussed and agreed during the negotiations resulting in the 2010-2013 United-IBT Technicians and Related Agreement (also referred to in this Letter as “the New Agreement”), there will be technical and logistical impediments to fully implementing and migrating to the New Agreement as soon as the parties would like.” However migration to the new agreement is not an open ended process and should occur quickly. It is expected that completion of all the transition items will occur within the first several months of the year.
PAY
The pay rates take effect 1-1-12. This includes the double time and a half for New Years Day, the double time rate for overtime and the time and three quarters rate for field services. The signing bonus is anticipated to be paid around the same time as the second pay check in the month of January.
ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES
The first item that will not take place immediately will be the holiday move provision for New Years Day. Zeroing of the overtime hours requires changes to the various manpower computer programs and the establishment of new bid areas that are required in the agreement. This provision may happen at different times for different bid areas. For example line stations that only have a few bid areas may be able to transition quicker because there will not be a need to establish new bid areas. Field service is a provision tied to the establishment of bid areas and overtime so the selection process will continue as is until these items are addressed. However international trips will now be selected in the same manner as domestic trips.
MOVING FORWARD
Transition information will be made available as soon as possible to each station’s Business Agents and Chief Stewards and posted on the respective Local and International websites along with email blasts to the membership. The systemwide Chief Steward’s weekly Thursday call and the Friday Business Agent’s calls will be an integral part of discussing these changes and the expected target date for implementation. Look for more information beginning next week on expected timelines for the implementation of the various transition items.
Airline Industry News
Governmental and Regulatory
Lawmakers in the House and Senate have not reached agreement on the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill and remain at odds over the bill's labor provision…A union representing pilots at UPS has filed a lawsuit arguing that cargo pilots should be included in the new pilot-fatigue rules issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Industry and Labor
A group of business leaders in Miami say that bankruptcy filing of AMR Corp. will help American Airlines become a better competitor…The Transportation Security Administration's 40,000 screeners now have the right to vote on collective bargaining rights. The TSA's decision to give the workers the rights will allow them to bargain over vacation time, work shifts, transfers and some other employment issues…Workers are not the culprit in the AMR bankruptcy, they insist…
Shares of AMR Corp. will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange before the market opens January 5th. AMR shares were trading at 52 cents when the market closed on Thursday, one month after the company filed for bankruptcy on Nov. 29th.
The offices of the Airline Division will be closed on Monday, January 2nd for the New Years Day Holiday. On behalf of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Airline Division and our staff, we wish each of you and your families a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Airline Division News, Week Ending December 24, 2011
December 24, 2011
Negotiations Continue for Atlas Air Worldwide Dispatchers
Negotiations for the first contract for the flight dispatchers of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings continued this past week.
Meetings in November were spent discussing and analyzing the current benefits package, enabling them to present the company an initial proposal for Article 14, Benefits, with the intent of protecting existing benefits, limiting member’s cost increases and ensuring that the current salary continuation plan is available to both Atlas and Polar Dispatchers.
Significant progress was also reported with Article 4, Overtime.
All contract sections involving economics have now been passed across the table and the company has indicated they are ready to proceed with discussions on the economics of all areas in the contract that to date, have been put aside.
Additional meetings have been scheduled in January.
Santa Support
As with so many from around the world, many Teamsters have joined in support of Santa Claus tonight as he brings smiles to children around the world.
Reports are coming in from Teamster pilots operating around the world, who are providing enroute weather and turbulence reports, flight dispatchers who are coordinating with Santa’s Flight Operations Department at the North Pole, with updates on enroute winds and helping secure preferred flight routings, and mechanics, who have volunteered to stand by and provide any maintenance assistance for his sleigh.
And not to be left out, our most famous Teamsters; Thunder and Lightning, have reportedly set aside a special bale of hay and treats for Rudolph and the reindeer to keep their energy up for their long trip around the world.
For those who want to follow Santa’s progress, the North American Air Defense System has a special team tracking Santa to ensure his safety.
Children everywhere of all ages can watch his progress at: http://www.noradsanta.org/en/?!2d
Airline Industry News
After the crash of Colgan 3407 brought the long standing issue to the spotlight, this week the FAA announced the first changes in flight time and duty time limits for pilots in decades…
On behalf of the Airline Division, we would like to offer our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah and a Joyous Kwanzaa to all of our members your families.
UAL/CAL/CMI Mechanics Weekly Update – December 21, 2011
December 21, 2011
Compliance Concerns
It has been reported on the last several Chief Steward calls that documents are being revised at an accelerated pace. This is especially true with the GNMM. Members should be certain they are using the most current documents with the correct effectivity.
IBT Safety Representatives Tour UAL SFO Base
On December 14th and 15th ; Lamont Byrd, IBT Director of IBT Health and Safety, Enjoli DeGrasse, Industrial Hygienist and Airline Division Representative Chris Moore did an extensive tour of the UAL SFO Base. The purpose of the tour was to provide the IBT Safety Representatives a good overview of the facility, the engineering controls in place to provide for a safe workplace and the availability and use of Personal Protective Equipment.
Among the complex range of work done at the base; the capability to perform numerous processes such as Flame Spraying, Painting, Composite Repair, Sheet Metal Repair, Machining, Welding, Plating and other services require members coming in contact with hazardous materials.
During the two day period the Safety Reps were able to speak to members in all of the work areas visited and get a good description of the job performed and the hazards involved.
“A very important part of our job as Teamsters is to strive to create safer work environment for our members,” said International Representative Chris Moore. “We are committed to working with our Brothers and Sisters at UAL continue to improve safety in their work place.”
The tour which also included Aircraft Overhaul was provided by Ground Safety Chairman Ralph Ortiz and Safety committee members Mike Valladares, Kasi Tkaczyk and Joseph Frisina.
A Clarification for the sub UA Mechanic Regarding Old IAM LTD Plans
The following was submitted by Daniel M. Johnston, Shop Steward Local 856/896 (SFO), regarding the old IAM LTD plan underwritten by Continental American Insurance Group:
This LTD provides coverage for the employee and has two (3) additional riders which could have been added at additional charges. These riders are:
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Option 1- Dependent Accident rider
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Option 2- Cancer rider
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Option 3 Critical Illness rider
This insurance is no longer being offered to our members as a LTD plan because it was a group plan under the IAM. If you still have it, you’re coverage has continued if your premiums have been paid.
Any address changes, claims, cancellation or information concerning this plan needs to be addressed directly to the insurance company not thru UAL benefits. The contact phone number is:
Customer Service Center 1-800-433-3036 or
National Group Protection 1-800-344-9016
The United references for this plan on our pay check stubs use to be shown as DI ACC INS or Can Ins.
In May of this year, the codes changed, because the different riders could be purchased as stand-alone policies for the IAM members still at UAL. The time when we purchased this coverage the only way to get the riders was if you purchased the LTD. The plans we have are considered “grandfathered”. Since UAL changed their payroll system in September to (PeopleSoft) there has been many issues, including with these LTD plans. Now you may see each independent policy or coverage shown. The ONLY ones you will see payments on will be LTD-CAIC, Critical Illness Ins CAIC and Can Ins CAIC. The Accident Insurance CAIC will show no payment but, under the “grandfathered” plans is included in the LTD-CAIC payment.
Our members should call the insurance company to verify their coverage is still in good standing, since we can’t get this coverage again if our policy lapses. I recommend calling the National Group Protect first at 1-800-344-9016, since I was informed they are well versed in the issue we are having at UAL. Then you can call Continental American Insurance Group at Customer Service Center 1-800-433-3036 also if you wish.
Note: If you look at you profile benefits summary in Skynet (Employee Services, Benefits) under LTD and this is the only LTD you have it will state you have no LTD, even though payroll deductions are being made.
Airline Division attends 986/856 craft meetings
Airline Division Representatives Clacy Griswold and Bob Fisher attended craft meetings last week in San Bruno, CA. Members attending were encouraged to vote on the TA and to pass the word that with the volume of mail during the holiday season they should vote soon.
Happy Holidays from the Airline Division
The Airline Division would like to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season!
UAL/CAL/CMI Mechanics Weekly Update – December 13, 2011
December 13, 2011
Ballots are Mailed for Sub UA Tentative Agreement
Ballots for the sub UA TA were mailed on December 2nd and will be counted on December 29th. All ballots must be received prior to 10 a.m. on the 29th when the ballots will be picked up from the post office. For those members that have not received a ballot a duplicate may be requested through your Local. Members are asked to talk to your Chief Steward or Business Agent to get information on requesting the duplicate. The duplicate ballot process will continue until December 16th.
CMI Negotiations
The parties will meet January 16th through the 18th to try to complete the interim agreement for the Continental Micronesia mechanics and related members. The parties made several passes during the last round of negotiations and significant progress was made.
The Employee Assistance Program
Life is full of challenges and that employees may at times require varying degrees of assistance to deal with difficulties which may affect their health, well-being and/or work performance. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential services to employees and their families.
Safety remains the key reason for this program as it provides an avenue to resolve personal issues that might adversely affect work safety. The purpose of the IBT EAP Program is to assist members and their families with comprehensive assistance in the resolution of a wide variety of problems. Coordinators encourage and motivate employees to seek help, and refer employees to an appropriate professional. The EAP Program provides referrals and resources relating to anxiety/depression, anger, alcohol and drug abuse, debt management, grief and loss, relationship problems, divorce, domestic violence, elder care issues, eating disorders, child/teen conduct, and many other situations that our members and their families face.
The Employee Assistance Program is a voluntary program for issues that may or may not be related to work, or that may involve family members. Information discussed between an employee and the EAP Coordinator is confidential, except when mandated by law. Everyone has challenges in life, and sometimes it’s not easy to decide when to ask for help. An IBT EAP representative can help guide the employee through whatever action they need to take. The program is completely voluntary to the membership.
The current program is divided into three areas. However, this will probably change with an amalgamated contract. Joe Schwirian and Steve Loone serve the maintenance base in San Francisco and Hawaii. Mike Brooks serves the Western region which includes everything west of Denver. Caleb Good is the System Director and serves the Eastern region which includes everything east of Chicago. Individuals desiring more information or in need of assistance should contact Caleb Good at 773-601-5142 to connect with a union EAP representative.
Payroll Issues Continue
There are still some payroll issues at sub UA regarding vacation payments. Many of these issues have been resolved but if you are shorted pay after taking vacation please contact IBT Representative Bob Fisher at rcfisher7@yahoo.com for resolution.
In addition to the vacation payments, it has been reported for several weeks that members in New York are not having city taxes deducted. The company is trying to resolve this issue and it will be reported in the Dispatch when it is corrected.
Openings
It was reported on both the Chief Steward and Business Agent calls that several sub UA cities are having recalls, taking system bids and hiring from the street. This is in addition to several sub CO cities hiring from the street.
In Denver it was reported that 40 plus A&P mechanics positions have been created for Airbus work. Seattle and Dulles are currently going through the system bid list to fill openings. Los Angeles reported five sub UA openings for facilities maintenance that will be hired from the street.
Useful Links
This new section will provide links that are requested by the members.
Airline Mechanics Forum: www.airlinemechanics.org/yabb/YaBB.pl
Airline Division: www.teamsterair.org
Airline Division News, Week Ending December 11, 2011
December 11, 2011
Airline Division Representatives Attend Local 528 Craft Meeting
Airline Division Attorney Nick Manicone and Airline Division Representative Chris Moore joined Local 528 President Don Toney and Business Agent Johnny Edwards in Atlanta on December 7th for the ASA Mechanic and Related Class and Craft. Joining them at the meeting were Negotiating Committee members Local 19 Business Agent Mike Cline, ASA MX Chief Steward Geoff Maloney and Shop Stewards Juan Ruiz and Chris Rogers.
In addition to questions about the articles that have already been Tentatively Agreed to, questions were also fielded about future negotiating dates, the merger with Express Jet and how the mediated negotiations at XJT will affect the ASA negotiations. Manicone explained that the Teamsters are committed to bargaining separate agreements for both work groups prior to a single carrier filing and the commencement of bargaining a single contract for the merged work group.
The negotiating committee met on December 8th to work on the next article they intend to pass to the company when negotiations resume on January 16, 2012. Good progress was made over the last few bargaining sessions and the committee looks for that to continue when talks begin next year.
NetJet Mechanic Contract Negotiations Kick Off In Columbus
Members of the Net Jet mechanics negotiating committee members; Business Agent Paul Suffelleto, Shop Stewards Chad Morrison, John Wolf and Isaac Thielman and Observer Fred Price , were joined by Airline Representatives Paul Alves and Chris Moore for the opening round of negotiations at Net Jet Headquarters in Columbus Ohio on December 9, 2011.
After introductions, the company gave a brief presentation which included the history of NJT, an overview of the Maintenance Operation and the current state of affairs in the fractional jet industry. The parties have agreed to tentative dates for negotiations beginning in January 2012.
Omni Air Ratifies First Contract
After rejecting their first Tentative Agreement with management, the crewmembers of Omni Air have ratified a revised agreement, putting in place their first collective bargaining agreement.
The four year agreement; ratified by a vote or 116-83 includes raises of between 30% and 43% and provides improved travel, strong scope protection and significant work rule improvements. Additionally, it includes seniority rights, job protection and other provisions, including a dispute resolution process.
“I am very pleased for the crewmembers of Omni Air,” said Airline Division Director David Bourne. First contracts are historically challenging, however the leadership kept focused and management also worked to achieve an agreement that was acceptable to both groups. We look forward to its implementation and congratulate everyone on a job well done,” he concluded.
Horizon Pilots Win Pay Arbitration
The pilots of Horizon Air have prevailed in their pay arbitration dispute with management, it was announced this week. Arbitrator Jaffe rejected the company’s proposal and instead of taking a 5% pay cut as demanded by the company, the pilots will receive a 2.8% increase on December 15th and First Officers will receive an additional 1.2% increase on December 15, 2013.
In November 2010, the pilots approved a new five year agreement, but the tentative wage settlement was rejected by the pilots which led to both parties presenting their “last, best and final offers” to the arbitrator for his decision. Commonly referred to as “baseball style arbitration,” the agreed to process requires the arbitrator to order the implementation of one proposal or the other without changes.
The groups are scheduled to return to the table in 2013 to resolve wages rates for the final two years of the agreement. If they are unable to do so, they will follow the same arbitration process.
Cape Air Negotiators Prepared to Resume Discussions
Negotiators for Cape Air are prepared to resume discussions at their next scheduled session on January 4, 2012 in Hyannis, MA. The parties have reached tentative Agreement on all sections of the contract with the exception of pay rates for the ATR-42, Scope and Definitions. They remain optimistic that an agreement could be reached by mid-January.
Airline Industry News
Government and Regulatory
Several airlines have requested that the DOT give them one year to install the technology required to implement two of the agency's new rules regarding fees…Lawmakers continue to debate a key provision in the FAA funding bill that will change the way airlines form unions…Airlines are urging the FAA to keep plans for an updated air-traffic-control system on track after the resignation of FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt.
Labor and Airlines
The unsecured creditors panel appointed by the Justice Department for the bankruptcy of American Airlines' parent company includes three union representatives, Boeing and several banks…US Airways believes in the benefits of consolidation, Chief Financial Officer Derek Kerr says…Boeing machinists have voted to approve a deal to extend their contract and keep production of the 737 Max in Puget Sound, Washington.
Despite the European debt crisis, business travel is likely to rebound slightly in 2012, analysts say.
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