Negotiations Update - April 28, 2013

April 28, 2013

Negotiations Update

The parties met in Phoenix this week, aided by Senior Mediator Pat Sims and Mediator Michael Kelleher of the NMB. Comprehensive proposals were exchanged that included wages, benefits, retirement security and scope.

After the initial proposals were made, subcommittees worked towards understanding the basis of the proposals. In addition the continued work of finalizing language continued.

The beginning of the week found the parties far apart in their positions. Progress was made in subcommittee work through the week and it is expected that further comprehensive proposals will be made the week of the 29^th when the parties reconvene in Chicago.

Seniority Integration Update

The seniority integration committee met this week in Phoenix. The committee worked on the craft seniority list identifying ties between the three lists. Several discrepancies were found and the committee requested further information from the company. The committee will continue its work on the list in an effort to finish before the end of May.  

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

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, Ft. Lauderdale Tampa & 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

Airline Week In Review For April 27, 2013

UAL Negotiations Update 

The parties met in Phoenix this week aided by Senior Mediator Pat Sims and Mediator Michael Kelleher of the NMB. Comprehensive proposals were exchanged that included wages, benefits, retirement security and scope. 

After the initial proposals were made, the subcommittees worked towards understanding the basis of the proposals. In addition the continued work of finalizing language continued.

The beginning of the week found the parties far apart in their positions. Progress was made in subcommittee work through the week and it is expected that further comprehensive proposals will be made the week of the 29^th when the parties reconvene in Chicago. 

Seniority integration committee discussions also continued this week in Phoenix. The committee worked on the craft seniority list identifying ties between the three lists. Several discrepancies were found and the committee has requested further information from the company. The committee will continue its work on the list in an effort to finish before the end of May.  

Airline Industry News 

Governmental and Regulatory 

The Federal Aviation Administration said that the U.S. air traffic system will resume normal operations by Sunday evening after lawmakers rushed a bill through Congress allowing the agency to withdraw furloughs of air traffic controllers and other workers. 

The Federal Aviation Administration lifted its grounding order for Boeing 787s, including for United Airlines. The FAA also estimated the cost of fixing the 787 battery issue at $464,678 per aircraft. However, Boeing may cover the cost of the battery fix under warranty.  

Airlines and Industry 

The CEO of FedEx says the FAA should adopt satellite based air traffic control.

In this editorial, the Wall Street Journal decries the Federal Aviation Administration's decision to furlough air traffic controllers.

Delta Air Lines reported a $22 million loss in the first quarter for its oil refinery in Trainer, Pennsylvania. Delta purchased the refinery in June and reported a $63 million loss in the fourth quarter of last year.