Saturday, December 29, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Airline Division Week In Review December 22, 2012
NetJets Mechanics Negotiators Meet, Refine Proposals
The NetJets mechanics negotiating committee met this week in Columbus. Committee members Chad Morrison, and Trent Rutledge were joined by Local 284 Business Agent Paul Suffoletto and IBT Airline Division representatives Paul Alves and Chris Moore. The committee continued to review contract articles and began working on proposals that will be passed to the company when negotiations continue in early 2013.
Airline Industry News
Governmental and Regulatory
of the Department of Transportation will begin an audit next month of staffing at control towers across the U.S. to examine what seems to be a larger workforce in a smaller, more efficient industry.
Airlines and Industry
The new labor contracts American Eagle negotiated with each of its three unions have received approvalfrom U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane.
Boeing has reached its 2012 delivery targets for its newest jumbo jets, the 787 Dreamliner and the 747-8, with barely a week left before the deadline. According to an announcement Thursday, the company delivered seven 787s to six airlines in 25 hours, bringing its total 2012 deliveries of its newest jets to 75.
A U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge will hear both sides of a debate about retirement benefits for American Airlines pilots who will be eligible for retirement when the airline emerges from bankruptcy.
The officers and staff of the Airline Division would like to take this opportunity to wish Seasons Greetings and a Merry Christmas to our members and families. The offices will reopen for business on Wednesday, December 26, 2012.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Airline Division Week In Review December 15, 2012
Airline Division Director, Representatives Attend ExpressJet Craft Meeting in TYS
On December 12th, Airline Division Director David Bourne and Representative Chris Moore travelled to Knoxville, Tennessee to attend the ExpressJet (XJT) maintenance craft meeting.
The meeting was chaired by Local 783 Business Agent Jason Brown and Local 783 Vice President John Stovall. Updates were given on Local business as well as grievances and the current state of contract negotiations at both ExpressJet and Atlantic Southeast Airlines. A very productive discussion ensued regarding improved communications at the Local and system wide levels.
Commenting on the discussions, Director Bourne ensured the mechanics that they will continue to see improvements in their representation and communications.
Airline Industry News
Government and Regulatory
After Canada privatized the agency responsible for overseeing its air traffic system, the nonprofit agency became more effective with lower costs and a stronger market for its technology, writes Alan Levin.
With Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., resigning to head up The Heritage Foundation, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., is likely the next in line for the top Republican job on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski sent a letter Thursday to the Federal Aviation Administration encouraging it to expand the permitted use of electronic devices on flights.
Airlines and Industry
The Allied Pilots Association on Thursday met with AMR CEO Tom Horton, who made the case to keep American Airlines a standalone company. However the union believes that it is better for pilots and the company as a whole if American Airlines merges with US Airways.
Cargo-only operators have responded by targeting “whole new product flows” in markets such as Turkey, Africa and South America, Bill Flynn, CEO of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings Inc. (AAWW), told investors last month.
Airline consolidation over the past 10 years has not resulted in the significantly higher average airfares that some analysts predicted, says a report from professional services firm PwC US.
Some security guards at John F. Kennedy International Airport have voted to go on strike
next week if their employer doesn't respond to their concerns over issues including training and equipment.
next week if their employer doesn't respond to their concerns over issues including training and equipment.
USAirways is expanding its market in South America, with the addition of service to Sao Paulo, Brazil. The new route will fly out of Charlotte, N.C., the carrier's largest hub. US Airways already has a nonstop route to Rio de Janeiro, also from Charlotte.
The TWU has begun a campaign to unseat AMFA as the union representing the mechanics of Southwest Airlines
Flight attendants at Minneapolis-based Compass Airlines, a feeder carrier for Delta Air Lines, took another step toward trying to get contract issues resolved with owner Trans States Holdings and warned they were willing to strike if an agreement isn’t reached.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Mechanics Dispatch for December 8, 2012
Seniority Integration Committee Update
The Seniority Committee met this week to discuss the remaining aspects of combining the three company seniority lists. The task before the committee is to create recommendations regarding seniority integration and its impact on the various contract articles of a Joint CBA.
The committee decided on 2 representatives, (1 sUA and 1 sCO), who will assist the negotiating committee by clarifying the intent of the SIC recommendations.
The different scenarios regarding lead and inspector seniority was discussed at length and it was determined that there would be a resounding impact to either group no matter which path was followed. Various ways to reduce that impact were discussed but in the end the group determined that following basic craft seniority principles (rather than a premium system) would be the most consistent and cleanest method. It was also determined that following craft seniority could provide more protections and allow for greater mobility by using a single craft seniority method.
Two of the more simple resolutions included an agreement to take a position to retain lifetime recall rights, and a method to settle ties in seniority. While the three previous topics were discussed and settled, there were other subjects that were not decided on. These include discussions surrounding such issues as breaks in seniority affecting CO and MCI mechanics but not UA. How to level this point will require further discussion as well as more detailed information from the company.
Other points that require further consideration include former management seniority adjustments, and Furloughed UA technicians currently working for CO. The committee felt more information and time was required to resolve differences and reach a consensus. An important item for the committee is maintaining adequate furlough protection language in a Joint CBA. A list of information needed to proceed was compiled and will be delivered to the company.
The next meeting will be during the second week of December. Along with continued discussions on open issues, the committee will review information supplied by the company and continue the arduous task of reviewing the seniority lists for errors or changes.
Airline Division working on Merger Policy
The Airline Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting on November 27th and 28th. A primary topic of discussion was the creation of a Division-wide merger policy. The Board members were given examples of how other unions have approached seniority list integrations in the past. These examples included integrations that have worked and others that have failed horribly. There was discussion also of the recent integrations that have occurred and which are occurring within the Division. It was also noted that the USAir pilots group currently represented by USAPA has been without a new agreement for 8 years trying to achieve a mutually acceptable solution for seniority integration. Their internal dispute regarding seniority integration has cost that pilot group millions of dollars in the form of lost opportunity costs, including wages not earned.
The Division’s Board members agreed that a Division-wide policy needed to be adopted by the Division because consolidation of the industry will continue. The Board discussed that a policy based on “date of hire” or “date of entering the craft” has considerable merit and should be included in the policy of the Airline Division.
To that end, subcommittees of representatives from the IBT-represented crafts are now assigned to begin the construction of a merger policy based on the “date of hire” and/or “date of entering the craft” approach. These sub committees will work towards preparing a draft that can be reviewed at the next Board of Directors meeting in March for possible adoption.
Paper FAA Certificates Will Expire
For those of you who still hold a paper license, stop procrastinating. Your paper license will no longer be valid on March 31, 2013. That means you can’t work! The good news is that it’s easy and painless to replace and it only costs $2.00. Just go to this link:
http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/expiring_paper_certificates/
Or search Google for “FAA Paper License Replacement.”
All paper certificate holders cannot exercise the privileges of their PAPER certificates after March 31, 2013. This includes all certificates that are issued under 14 CFR Part 63 and 65.
14 CFR 63.15(d) and 65.15(d) reads:
Duration of certificates. Except for temporary certificates issued under §63.15 and 65.15, the holder of a paper certificate issued under this part may not exercise the privileges of that certificate after March 31, 2013.
If your airman certificate was issued after July 2003 and is a plastic certificate, it already meets the paper-to plastic rule as specified in 14 CFR Parts 63 and 65 and you may disregard this notification.
Inspection Compliance
Please be sure if you are upgrading to inspection on the sUA side that you follow the proper procedures. Until bid area 301 is established in the hubs upgrades will continue. Don’t get into trouble with the FAA during this transition period; if you’re not sure call the inspection management group. Look for a more in depth report in a future issue of the Dispatch.
Mechanic Contract Books
Many members have asked when the company will print the new agreement. A grievance has been filed out of SFO on the matter. However given the timing of the expedited negotiations there will most likely be a new agreement in place prior to the printing of the transition agreement. To be clear, the printed copy that each member received in the mail prior to ratification is the agreement in place currently. If anyone would like an electronic copy of the agreement it can be found here:
http://www.teamster.org/sites/teamster.org/files/112911MasterTA.pdf
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.
Airline Division Week In Review for December 8, 2012
Net Jet Flight Attendant Discussions Continue
NetJet Mechanics Identify Issues for Upcoming Negotiations
The Net Jet mechanics negotiating committee also met this week in Columbus. Committee members Chad Morrison, John Wolfe, Isaac Thielman and Trent Rutledge were joined by Local 284 Business Agent Paul Suffoletto and IBT Airline Division representatives Paul Alves and Chris Moore. The committee reviewed the current contract and based on member input began identifying the issues that will need to be addressed during negotiations including adding the Maintenance Controllers to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Airline Division Working on Merger Policy
The Airline Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting on November 27th and 28th. A primary topic of discussion was the creation of a Division-wide merger policy.
The Board members were given examples of how other unions have approached seniority list integrations in the past. These examples included integrations that have worked and others that have failed horribly. There was discussion also of the recent integrations that have occurred and which are occurring within the Division. It was also noted that the USAir pilots group currently represented by USAPA has been without a new agreement for 8 years trying to achieve a mutually acceptable solution for seniority integration. Their internal dispute regarding seniority integration has cost that pilot group millions of dollars in the form of lost opportunity costs, including wages not earned.
The Division’s Board members agreed that a Division-wide policy needed to be adopted by the Division because consolidation of the industry will continue. The Board discussed that a policy based on “date of hire” or “date of entering the craft” has considerable merit and should be included in the policy of the Airline Division. To that end, subcommittees of representatives from the IBT-represented crafts are now assigned to begin the construction of a merger policy based on the “date of hire” and/or “date of entering the craft” approach. These sub committees will work towards preparing a draft that can be reviewed at the next Board of Directors meeting in March for possible adoption.
FAA Paper Certificates Set to Expire Soon
For members who still hold FAA paper licenses, the time for conversion to the new, plastic card is fast approaching. Paper licenses will no longer be valid as of March 31, 2013. Information can be found by accessing the following link:
Or search Google for “FAA Paper License Replacement.”
All paper certificate holders cannot exercise the privileges of their PAPER certificates after March 31, 2013. This includes all certificates that are issued under 14 CFR Part 63 and 65.
Duration of certificates. Except for temporary certificates issued under §63.15 and 65.15, the holder of a paper certificate issued under this part may not exercise the privileges of that certificate after March 31, 2013.
If your airman certificate was issued after July 2003 and is a plastic certificate, it already meets the paper-to plastic rule as specified in 14 CFR Parts 63 and 65 and does not need to be reissued.
Governmental and Regulatory
The Federal Aviation Administration and other industry groups informing pilot training are calling for changes in stall training, a key aspect of pilot training critical for maintaining airplane safety.
Airlines and Industry
In the current economic environment, unions are looking at creative ways to protect members’ hard fought gains.
At the request of the mediator assigned to talks between Boeing and one of its unions, both parties have agreed to suspend negotiations until after the first of the year.
Boeing has decreased the weight of the 747-8 Freighter and tweaked its configuration to increase aerodynamic performance. The move comes after customers complained about the plane's performance.
Delta Air Lines has inquired with Singapore Airlines about purchasing its 49% stakein Virgin Atlantic. Singapore says it is hosting talks to possibly sell its stake, but didn't say Delta was involved.
Net Jet Flight Attendant negotiations continued this week at Net Jet headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. The Company provided the Union with an economic overview of the Company’s current and projected forecast. IBT Economist Jim Kimball joined the team to analyze the company financials and advise the committee during the negotiating of the economic package.
NetJet Mechanics Identify Issues for Upcoming Negotiations
The Net Jet mechanics negotiating committee also met this week in Columbus. Committee members Chad Morrison, John Wolfe, Isaac Thielman and Trent Rutledge were joined by Local 284 Business Agent Paul Suffoletto and IBT Airline Division representatives Paul Alves and Chris Moore. The committee reviewed the current contract and based on member input began identifying the issues that will need to be addressed during negotiations including adding the Maintenance Controllers to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Airline Division Working on Merger Policy
The Airline Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting on November 27th and 28th. A primary topic of discussion was the creation of a Division-wide merger policy.
The Board members were given examples of how other unions have approached seniority list integrations in the past. These examples included integrations that have worked and others that have failed horribly. There was discussion also of the recent integrations that have occurred and which are occurring within the Division. It was also noted that the USAir pilots group currently represented by USAPA has been without a new agreement for 8 years trying to achieve a mutually acceptable solution for seniority integration. Their internal dispute regarding seniority integration has cost that pilot group millions of dollars in the form of lost opportunity costs, including wages not earned.
The Division’s Board members agreed that a Division-wide policy needed to be adopted by the Division because consolidation of the industry will continue. The Board discussed that a policy based on “date of hire” or “date of entering the craft” has considerable merit and should be included in the policy of the Airline Division. To that end, subcommittees of representatives from the IBT-represented crafts are now assigned to begin the construction of a merger policy based on the “date of hire” and/or “date of entering the craft” approach. These sub committees will work towards preparing a draft that can be reviewed at the next Board of Directors meeting in March for possible adoption.
FAA Paper Certificates Set to Expire Soon
For members who still hold FAA paper licenses, the time for conversion to the new, plastic card is fast approaching. Paper licenses will no longer be valid as of March 31, 2013. Information can be found by accessing the following link:
Or search Google for “FAA Paper License Replacement.”
All paper certificate holders cannot exercise the privileges of their PAPER certificates after March 31, 2013. This includes all certificates that are issued under 14 CFR Part 63 and 65.
14 CFR 63.15(d) and 65.15(d) reads:
Duration of certificates. Except for temporary certificates issued under §63.15 and 65.15, the holder of a paper certificate issued under this part may not exercise the privileges of that certificate after March 31, 2013.
If your airman certificate was issued after July 2003 and is a plastic certificate, it already meets the paper-to plastic rule as specified in 14 CFR Parts 63 and 65 and does not need to be reissued.
Airline Industry News
Governmental and Regulatory
The Federal Aviation Administration and other industry groups informing pilot training are calling for changes in stall training, a key aspect of pilot training critical for maintaining airplane safety.
Airlines and Industry
In the current economic environment, unions are looking at creative ways to protect members’ hard fought gains.
At the request of the mediator assigned to talks between Boeing and one of its unions, both parties have agreed to suspend negotiations until after the first of the year.
Boeing has decreased the weight of the 747-8 Freighter and tweaked its configuration to increase aerodynamic performance. The move comes after customers complained about the plane's performance.
Delta Air Lines has inquired with Singapore Airlines about purchasing its 49% stakein Virgin Atlantic. Singapore says it is hosting talks to possibly sell its stake, but didn't say Delta was involved.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Airline Division Week In Review December 1, 2012
Greg Uselmann Leaves Local 1224, Returns to the Cockpit
Business Agent Greg Uselmann has left Local 1224 to return to flying.
A longtime union member and representative in the airline industry, Greg notified Local 1224 President Captain Dan Wells of his intent recently. Greg has been fully engaged in union work since 1998 and has been an integral piece of Teamsters Local 1224 for two and a half years. As a pilot, it has been his desire to return to the cockpit for some time. He recently secured a private flying position working closely with two longtime friends.
During his time with the local he was the full time business agent working primarily with Allegiant Air, Silver Airways and Southern Air.
“We wish him only the best in his future endeavors. It is our hope that, once he has completed his training and becomes accustomed with the demands of his new position, we will be able to utilize his expertise on a part time basis,” said Wells.
“Greg’s service has been invaluable to Teamsters Local 1224. He is a unionist at heart and we will miss his dedication to our membership, our local and the union cause,” Wells concluded.
Airline Division Board Meets
This past week, the Airline Division Board of Directors met in Ft. Lauderdale to review the current status of the Division and ongoing initiatives. Following an introduction by Board Chairman George Miranda (Local 210), the leadership received reports from numerous locals about ongoing events at the various properties and Division matters and their affect on the locals.
In accordance with policy, the two day meeting was very compressed and the Directors spent their time on the pressing matters, with an overall eye on fiscal responsibility and ensuring the highest level of services for the membership.
Airline Industry News
Governmental and Regulatory
Drone crashes are raising concerns about the viability of their use in U.S. skies.
The Federal Aviation Administration said Friday that flight attendants will soon be covered by Department of Labor workplace safety standards.
Some of the benefits of the Next Generation Air Transportation System include consolidation and modernization of radar facilities, but a Bloomberg study has found that efforts toward that end have been blocked consistently by lawmakers in Congress.
The National Transportation Safety Board has released its recommendations for new Federal Aviation Administration regulations governing cargo cabin fire safety. The recommendations include requirements for fire-suppression and fire-detection technologies to be present in the cargo-containing areas of cargo jets.
In a letter to House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., says he has decided not to seek another term as chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Mica is endorsing Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., for the post.
Airline and Industry
AMR CEO Tom Horton unveiled a restructuring plan this year to increase $1 billion in revenue and decrease $2 billion in costs.
Superstorm Sandy caused US Airways Group to lose an estimated $35 million in profits, the carrier said in a securities filing. The storm caused a significant reduction in bookings that negatively affected profits in October and November. The airline says bookings have returned to normal levels.
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