Find the Mechanics Dispatch here
Compliance Issues Causing Scrutiny
It was mentioned on the weekly Chief Steward call that mechanics are
continuing to see correspondence from the FAA regarding compliance
issues. As a result of the merger, aircraft with unfamiliar
configurations or engines and other equipment are being redistributed
throughout the system. Please use paperwork with the correct effectivity
for the aircraft you are servicing. Don’t fall into the trap of
assuming you are working on familiar equipment. Take five minutes to
research the aircraft you are servicing and avoid fines and the hassle
of having to write statements to and appear before the FAA in hearings.
Don’t Let Stress Impact the Task at Hand
Merging two airlines can cause stress and anxiety in an already
hectic work environment. Studies have proven that both these conditions
can have a significant impact on job performance by affecting the more
vulnerable short term working memory function. Stress can also cause a
sense of abnormal haste in completing a job which can lead to mistakes,
or overlooked items.
This can become even more critical when the work area is unfamiliar,
such as a different aircraft configuration. It was discussed on this
week’s call that there have been more frequent incidences of finding
tools and shop supplies where they don’t belong. When you finish a task
make sure you have your tools with you. Discovering that one of your
favorite tools is across the country is never a good feeling, but
finding out your flashlight was flying around in a wheel well or that
your wrench was in an intake causing engine failure is even worse. The
time to avoid these scenarios is right after the job is complete.
Don’t get in too much in a hurry that you forget to look around your
work area before you close up. It’s much better to have a frustrated
supervisor than a lost tool or damaged aircraft.
Programs Available In the event of an Accident or Incident
If you get involved in an incident regarding the above two items,
please contact your flight safety representative immediately to ensure
that you fill out an MSAP/ASAP form as well as a NASA form. This simple
action will help you avoid license action in most instances. However, if
you’ve completed these forms and have not been accepted by the
MSAP/ASAP committee, and you expect to or have received a Letter of
Investigation (LOI) from the FAA , then the Teamster License Protection
Program available. You’re Flight Safety Representative or Business Agent
has the information regarding this program. The LPP can help to
mitigate or eliminate licensing action by the FAA but you must respond
to the FAA within 10 days of receiving the LOI. So if your MSAP/ASAP is
rejected by the ERC, contact your Union Representative immediately.
Employee Assistance Program
On the sub UA side, four full time union EAP coordinators work across
the system with many volunteers from the rank and file to help fellow
members with personal issues large and small. EAP volunteers can help
when stress levels are high because of things at work and home. If you
are going through a divorce or having a problem with drugs or alcohol or
worried about what is happening at work, this is a valuable tool for
relief. There are company EAP programs at each of the subsidiaries but
currently only sub UA has union side assistance.
If you would like to learn more about this essential program, please
contact your Business Agents program director Caleb Good for
information. Caleb can be reached at his office at 773-601-5142 or via
his cell at 630-485-0227
Implementation Update
On the sub UA, side the first shift bid is complete for most cities. A
big part of this change over is midnights going from first shift to
third shift. The switchover will happen at the end of this month. The
contract has provisions to deal with this one time occurrence but if you
will be negatively affected, please see your supervisor and they should
make accommodations for your situation. If the supervisor won’t you
help deal with the changeover get your steward involved right away.
Facilities Maintenance Update
We learned in LGA that corporate real estate is sub-contracting the
facilities maintenance work without regard to the CBA for rebranding.
Grievances have been filed and the parties are attempting to come to
resolution. Please watch for this occurring in your city if there is a
facilities maintenance department.
Seniority Update
Several Business Agents representing the three airlines met with
Teamster Airline Representatives on Monday to continue discussions on
the ongoing merger as it relates to the mechanic seniority list. The
group was again joined by professional Arbitrator and Mediator Ralph
Berger, Esq.
A former attorney with the NLRB and trial examiner for the Office of
Collective Bargaining, New York City, Mr. Berger has extensive
experience in mediation and arbitration of employment and
labor-management disputes involving a wide variety of issues including
airline mergers. In his field as a lawyer, 100% of his practice is
employment and labor work.
The Airline Division requested Mr. Berger’s assistance in merging the
seniority lists of all three airlines with the goal of having minimal
impact to our members. This second meeting with Mr. Berger was arranged
so BA’s representing members across the system could further explain the
complexities of our industry and the seniority concerns of our members.
While the meeting was beneficial, at this time we were unable to reach a
consensus within the leadership for future recommendations to the
membership because of some still unanswered legal questions regarding
the sub UAL Consent Decree. This subject is a complicated matter
requiring opinions from various legal groups including Teamster and
United Airlines legal departments. More discussions with Mr. Berger are
needed to further research the information gathered by those various
legal experts and the local committees in order to assure a fare and
equitable resolution on seniority happens for all Teamster members. We
will keep you advised of our progress.
Furloughed members urged to update their addresses.
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. If you are in touch with a furloughed member, please
forward this information to them. Updates may be emailed to: ESC@united.com . The ESC will provide a fax number and ask members to send the address change accompanied with a signature.
Useful links
If you would like to see a link added to this list please contact Bob Fisher at: rcfisher7@yahoo.com The following Locals represent these respective cities:
Airline Mechanics Forum Airline Mechanics forum (This is a good place to discuss merger related items)
The following Locals represent these respective cities:
Boston: 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 986
San Francisco: Local 856/986
Denver: Local 455
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