Airline Division Week In Review For October 28, 2013

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UAL Negotiations Update  The parties will reconvene on November 4th in Chicago in an attempt to finalize the joint collective bargaining agreement. The parties will be assisted by Senior Mediator Pat Sims and Mediator Michael Kelleher from the NMB.  On Friday, an et al., (“and others”) benefits grievance was filed by the union regarding the unilateral changes imposed by the company. Chief Stewards and the Business Agent will have a copy for members to review and it will be posted electronically. NetJets Technicians and Related Discussions   Prior to a scheduled meeting with the company, the Negotiating Committee met on October 22ndand 23rd to discuss and work on proposals for Articles 7- (Union Representation), 8 – (Grievance Procedure) and 9 – (Arbitration).  Discussions between the NetJets Negotiating Committee and Company continued on October 24th. The negotiating session focused on Article 7 – (Union Representation), 12 – (Jury Duty), 13 – (Funeral Leave), 16 – (Holidays), 23 – (Moving Expenses), 25 – (Sick Leave), and 35 – (Tuition Assistance).  The Union made a proposal on Article 23 – (Moving Expenses). The Company made counter proposals on Articles 12, 13 and 35 and provided opening proposals on Articles 7, 16 and 25, and after discussion the parties reached a Tentative Agreement on Article 23 – (Moving Expenses).   The Union and the Company are currently discussing dates for the next round of talks.  Captain Charles “Butch” Downs Passes Away. “He will be sorely missed,” says ExCo Chairman  Captain Charles Henry ‘Butch’ Downs, 69, formerly a pilot for Cape Air (Local 1224) passed away peacefully Saturday, October 19, 2013 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. A Martha’s Vineyard native, he was born in Oak Bluffs and raised in Edgartown, Massachusetts. He dedicated his life to being a pilot, having been taught to fly at the age of 13. At 16, he enlisted in the Air Force and served two tours of duty as a Ranch-Hand in the Vietnam War. An honored veteran; his C-123, “Patches,” holds the distinction of being the second most shot at airplane during the Viet Nam war - currently sits at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.   The love of flying stayed with him after his service. He had a long and varied flying career that led him around the world and culminated in nearly two decades as a pilot for Edgartown Air, which later became Cape Air. He often told his son that his favorite thing about flying was watching the sun rise and set from thousands of feet above the earth. Butch was also integral to many aspects of the Island. He worked as an AB for the Steamship Authority, had a (very brief) career as Duke’s County Deputy Sheriff, was past commander of the VFW, and was a pioneer in swordfish spotting – his fishing buddies always appreciated his expert eye in the sky from his Piper Cub. He also played the guitar and banjo, and loved the natural beauty and history of the Island. He has amassed a vast collection of found native artifacts including his prized Woolly mammoth’s tooth. Those who knew him all agreed that he was a rare mixture of true husband, father, son, brother and friend. He wouldn’t hesitate to give you a piece of his mind – but he would also be the first person to give you the shirt off his back.  “Butch was the best,” said Cape Air ExCo Chairman Marilyn Rhude. “He was a tremendous pilot and a great friend to everyone who had the fortune to know him and he had a wicked sense of humor that was legendary. His passing leaves a great void in the Cape Air family that won’t be easily filled. He will be sorely missed,” she concluded. Captain Downs is survived by his loving family and would have celebrated his thirty-first wedding anniversary with his wife Carolyn on October 28th. He was a caring father to his son, Captain Andy Downs and his daughter-in-law, Valerie. He was also a loving, loyal and devoted ‘big’ brother to John Downs and his wife, Kathleen as well as a proud uncle and great-uncle. His graveside service with full military honors was held on Wednesday, October 23rd. Airline Industry News  Governmental and Regulatory  The government shutdown was "extraordinarily disruptive" to aviation safety, the FAA's chief said Thursday. The Federal Aviation Administration said the government shutdown has delayed new rules for use of passenger electronic devices. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said the agency will focus on safety issues first before turning its attention to expanding the use of electronic devices during flights.   Mayors of six major cities have written a letter to the Department of Justice asking the agency to drop its antitrust lawsuit against a proposed merger between US Airways and American Airlines. "We support the merger of American and US Airways because it is based on growth which benefits consumers and our communities," the letter said.   Airlines, Labor and Industry  Analysts predict a rosy future for U.S. airline earnings as airlines keep a close eye on capacity and fly more fuel-efficient planes. "The airlines are poised to show a good year overall for 2013," said Henry Harteveldt, a travel analyst.   Twenty-six chambers of commerce, from U.S. cities as well as states, have sent the Justice Department a letter urging the agency to settle over the proposed US Airways-American Airlines merger.   Airbus has not booked and orders for its A380 this year, and is considering trimming production, but will keep the design of the jumbo jet.   National Mediation Board rules require the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association to wait one year before attempting to organize American Airlines mechanics.   The upcoming expiration of the Wright Amendment could spark an airfare war in Texas.