IAM Rejects Deal

Rich Delaney, March 30, 2013­— Members of District 141 have emphatically rejected the tentative agreements reached with United Airlines. Member/tellers from across the country completed their week-long work of receiving, verifying, and counting ballots mailed in from every work group and station covered by the Ramp & Stores and Public Contact Employees agreements. Employees of legacy United Airlines, Continental Airlines, and Continental Micronesia Airlines participated in the ratification process and expressed their opinion.

District 141 will now notify the National Mediation Board of our request to enter into federally mediated negotiations covering all employee groups, as previously established within the protocol of interest based bargaining in August 2012.

Membership surveys will be conducted in the coming weeks to confirm the future positions of the Union on issues important to our members. Negotiations will resume based on the directives of the National Mediation Board.

District 141 thanks all participating members for their vote. The democratic process of membership ratification/rejection is the foundation of our Union and a fundamental right of membership. We respect the decisions made by the majority of our members and will proceed with their best interests in mind.

Airline Division Week In Review March 17, 2013

New TSA Policy Will Undermine Security of Flying Public and Crew Members  

The Transportation Security Administration’s recent decision allowing knives in the aircraft cabin is an outrageous move that will endanger the security of the flying public and the safety of thousands of flight attendants and pilots, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters said today. 

The Teamsters are part of a growing coalition demanding that the new TSA policy be reversed before it takes effect on April 25. 

“Since the horrific 9/11 terror attacks, the ban on dangerous objects in the aircraft cabin have helped make our nation’s airline industry the safest in the world,” said Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa. “This ban has been and continues to be an integral part of our nation’s aviation security system, ensuring the safety of both passengers and crew members. We call on the TSA to reverse this decision.” 

Hoffa added that the Teamsters are fully committed to supporting the public campaign against the new TSA policy. The Teamsters union is a proud member of the 90,000-strong Flight Attendants Union Coalition leading that campaign, which includes an online petition to the White House at http://1.usa.gov/10gBQ78. 

"We have spent countless hours working with our nation’s leaders, union leaders, industry leaders, and our membership to protect the American traveling public, our members, and those people on the ground,” said Capt. David P. Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “Under the current rules, you are allowed to transport the ‘new’ items but they must be checked items. The current rules should be continued." 

“Knives don’t belong in the aircraft cabin,” Hoffa said. “The Teamsters will fight to make sure dangerous objects stay out of our skies and we’ll continue working with our allies, including the Coalition of Airline Pilots Association, which has also come out forcefully against this dangerous decision.” 

NetJets Technicians and Related Negotiations Continue 

The NetJets Technicians and Related Negotiating Committee met with the Company on March 12^th, with International representatives Paul Alves, Chris Moore and IBT Attorney Nick Manicone assisting the negotiating committee of Paul Suffoletto, Chad Morrison, John Wolfe, Isaac Thielman, Trent Rutledge, and Carl Rollins. Company representatives Dave Makowski, Myron Becker, Julie Grenenwald, Brian Buehrer, Anthony Mosso and Jennifer Biele were also in attendance. 

The negotiating session consisted of discussions surrounding Article 22, (Job Classification) with the company responding to the union’s proposal. The union spent time clarifying the Company’s proposed changes and will respond when negotiations resume in April.  

The committee also met apart from the Company to finish our proposal on Article 1(Recognition)and Article 8 (Grievance Procedure). 

The next scheduled negotiating session is scheduled for April 2013.  

This Week in Air Safety 

Teamsters Local 1224 are happy to announce the formation of the Part 117 Flight/Duty Time Regulations Implementation Committee. Chairing this committee will be Atlas 747 Captain Kevin McCabe. This committee will be tasked with preparing for and monitoring member participation at the 1224 carriers where Part 117 will be implemented. The union’s goal is to work cooperatively with management to ensure a common understanding of how the new rules work and a smooth transition into the new regulations. The committee will also be reviewing clarifying questions and answers as they are published by the FAA. We fully expect that there will be a multitude of requests for legal interpretations as the 117 deadline approaches, and as the implementation begins. As the deadline for Part 117 implementation approaches, Local 1224 will also remain fully engaged in working to have cargo carriers included in the new rules. Local 1224 is a strong proponent of the “One Level of Safety” concept, and strongly believes that Part 117 should apply to all of its carriers. 

Any Local 1224 member interested in serving on the Part 117 Flight/Duty Time Regulations Implementation Committee, please contact Captain McCabe at kmccabe@apa1224.org  

Even if you are at an all-cargo carrier, where Part 117 does not currently apply, your participation is welcome. Please step up and join this committee. It is extremely crucial to all of our careers.  

Submitted by Russ Leighton 

Airline Industry News 

Governmental and Regulatory 

As a result of budget cuts from sequestration, the Federal Aviation Administration has instituted a hiring freeze for air-traffic controllers.  

The head of the Transportation Security Administration is defending his decision to allow passengers to carry small knives aboard planes despite opposition from airline executives, pilots and flight attendants unions and lawmakers.  

Airline and Industry 

Boeing will likely request board approval for its 777X by as soon as the end of next month, sources say. 

The proposed merger between US Airways and American Airlines will not harm competition, experts say.  

Boeing said it could install a fix for 787 batteries and have the aircraft return to flying soon.  

Driving a nail through lithium-ion batteries is a standard test for short circuits, but Boeing needs to do more sophisticated testing for its 787 batteries, experts say.

Negotiations Update For March 17, 2013

To once again explain these negotiations using the NMB’s expedited negotiation process; articles of the agreement were discussed between the carrier and the union by small groups separated into sub committees. These sub-committee discussions broke down and thoroughly reviewed each paragraph of the article they were assigned and contemplated changes proposed by either side. In many cases, changes were settled by both parties and an agreement in principal was accepted. When agreements could not be reached or the main subject material was of economic concern, the matter was tabled for the next phase of the process. Language created by each side of the sub-committees was passed back and forth until eventually a single version was created, one written by the company and one by the union.

This week, the committee began the arduous task of making sure the language written by the company exactly matched that of the union. This was also compared with the suggestions of our legal council all on a line by line basis. Any discrepancy in the language was noted and will be discussed further or moved to the next phase.

It is obviously important to ensure that the language written absolutely represents the intent of the parties. While this task is time consuming, it is a necessary step towards completing these negotiations.  

Management Meetings

Negotiations offer a unique opportunity that places management who has the ability to make decisions in the same location as many of our union representatives who on behalf of the membership hold questions and grievances. During this past week there were several side discussions held between union representatives and members of management on a variety of subjects to settle some differences in the application of the current contracts. We are pleased with the carrier’s willingness to settle our differences before issue are escalated. We will continue to take advantage of such opportunities. 

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

Negotiations Update March 3, 2013

Phase 1 Now Complete in Principal

The parties have now reached conclusion in principal on the entire agreement for non-economic Phase 1 issues. The work of crafting language will continue in parallel with the negotiation of Phase 2 economic discussions. The process of crafting language has been slow to this point and is a concern due to the fact we don’t want to end up in the same process as the pilots, where it takes several months after reaching a TA until all Articles are finalized. The Phase 2 economic discussions begin with information being exchanged between the parties’ actuaries regarding pension and health care solutions next week. The full committee will meet in Chicago next week, March 11^th -15^th.

Report of the Committee

This week’s meeting in Chicago found both sides able to find some room for further discussion on some of those issues that the sub committees previously determined to be Phase 2 items. In addition, the LoA subcommittee began discussing the Letters of Agreements with the assistance of NMB mediator Michael Kelleher. Long discussions between the Union and Company representatives found agreements to changes in many of the letters. It was determined that some LoA’s should be combined where the subjects were similar. It was further determined that some LoA’s were better suited in the main body of the Agreement and should be incorporated in corresponding Articles. Other LoA’s were determined to be an accurate reflection of the operation and should be kept in their entirety. Finally, some LoA’s were seen as no longer applicable and both sides agreed they could be omitted from the final agreement. The beginning of this time period saw the parties apart on several points, but by week’s end, the company moved towards understanding and agreeing with many of our arguments closing out the phase 1 LoA discussions.

Many of these letters of agreement offer further definitions or explanations to applicable articles, and some are stand alone agreements made for specific work groups or certain working conditions. It is the recommendation of the committee that when the tentative agreement is eventually complete, each member take a close read of these back of the book LoA’s when contemplating the CBA.

Benefits

Representing the Unions interests, the Actuaries from Cheiron along with Professional Economist Dan Akins met with the experts who will be advising the company on the benefits packages including pension and medical plans. These talks were attended by representatives of management and the Union and included the attorneys from both sides. More information was exchanged and explained between the parties in an effort to lay some solid ground work once formal benefit discussions between the parties start the week of March 11^th.

The full negotiating committee was updated on the information and subjects discussed by our attorney and all the outside experts of the subcommittee. It is the opinion of the Union professionals involved that there is a genuine interest by the company to come to an agreement and get this TA complete in the time frame suggested. While this opinion was indeed encouraging by the committee, some of the information shared was a little more disheartening although not necessarily completely unexpected. Negotiating economic packages which have several major components can be a frustrating and daunting task. With diligent preparation, however, surprises can be mitigated. The Committee is taking all the information offered and attempting to simplify the choices before them in an attempt to provide the best possible deal for the membership. We remain hopeful that our goals will be met.

Seniority Integration

A formal report of the rank and file seniority integration committee was prepared and signed by mediator Ralph Berger. This report will be used by the rank and file negotiating committee during phase 2. The report can be seen at the following link:

http://www.teamster.org/sites/teamster.org/files/IBT-United-SIC-RR_3-1-13.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.

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 & 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

Negotiations Update For February 15, 2013

UAL/CAL/UMI MECHANICS NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE - FEBRUARY 15, 2013

February 15, 2013

This week the parties met in Chicago to round out Phase 1 – (non economic) reconciliation talks. We are on schedule at this point and have discussed every article in the Phase 1 agenda. Other than a few remaining reconciliation issues that may have room for some further discussion, Phase 1 of the process is nearly complete. The credit for the success of this first stage goes to the subcommittee groups of both sides who with the help of senior mediator Pat Sims and the NMB were able to outpace the language writers for this course of action.

Next week in Chicago, a small group from the Teamster committee will focus on constructing and tightening language to reflect the agreements reached in committee discussions. This language will then be available for analysis, review and edits by the entire committee the following week prior to moving forward. During this final week in February, the parties will also have the opportunity with the assistance of the NMB to attempt to reach agreements in principal on the few remaining outstanding Phase 1 issues before the process moves to Phase 2.

The process of Phase 2 is expected to begin on schedule in early March. In Phase 2, we will discuss all the components of the economic portions of the agreement including pay, job protections, and benefits such as pension and medical options. There will also be discussions on any of the Phase 1 language we could not agree on carried over in to Phase 2.

In anticipation of economic discussions, this week the negotiating team was introduced to economist Dan Akins. Dan has worked closely with Dr. Jim Kimball, the IBT’s Director of Economics and Research as well as the Airline Division.  He brings his 30 years of experience as an airline economist to assist the committee in the negotiating process and has built his distinguished career working primarily for organized labor. Dan has a deep appreciation and understanding how airline companies operate and negotiate. His area of expertise and assistance will come in the form of dissecting the financial data requested from the company and offer suggestions moving forward. 

Actuaries

During the week a small subcommittee met with Cheiron, to discuss health care options. Chieron is a highly regarded full-service financial analysis and actuarial consulting firm located in Chicago and has dedicated two of their top rated actuaries, John Colberg and Gaelle Gravot to assist the Teamster negotiating committee with the benefits process.

Data provided to the actuaries was created by the benefits committee.   The actuaries from Cherion will take the data along with additional data requests from the carrier and provide recommendations to the Teamster benefits subcommittee.  

Cheiron and others will help to ensure that the subject of our benefits do not become “incompacilated.” This made up word was created during one of our long breakout sessions that generally describes the tendency of some company officials who attempt to dilute our expectations. The committee will remain diligent to ensure a watchful eye for these types of actions and will create other words to describe them as needed.

The committee is very appreciative and would like to express our thanks for the support and guidance we have received from the various in-house and outside individuals and firms that have been brought in to assist in these discussions.

Committee Member Health Report

The negotiating committee is pleased to announce that the latest conversation with Allen Cosides finds him on his way to recovery. Allen suffered a heart attack recently which has him sidelined for the time being. Today, Allen and his wife were able to get outside for a bit of fresh air. We will keep him involved as much as possible while he recovers and look forward to his return as a helpful part of this committee.  Our special thanks goes out to all who offered assistance to Allen and who have kept him in your thoughts and prayers.

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 & 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 Division Week In Review February 16, 2013

UAL Negotiations Continue on Track 

This week the parties met in Chicago to continue Phase 1(non economic) reconciliation talks on a joint combined collective bargaining agreement. With a few remaining reconciliation issues that may require further discussion, next week a small group from the Teamster committee will focus on constructing and tightening language to reflect the agreements reached in committee discussions. That language will then be available for analysis, review and edits by the entire committee the following week prior to moving forward.  

The process of Phase 2 which will discuss all the components of the economic portions of the agreement including pay, job protections, and benefits such as pension and medical options is scheduled to begin in early March.  

In anticipation of economic discussions, this week the negotiating team was introduced to economist Dan Akins, who has worked closely with IBT Director of Economics and Research Dr. Jim Kimball as well as the Airline Division.  Akins brings 30 years of experience to the table as an airline economist and has a deep appreciation and understanding how airline companies operate and negotiate.  

Discussions will continue next week in Chicago. 

TAMC hosts Tulsa American Airlines Blitz and Press Conference 

Teamster mechanics from across the nation came together in Tulsa on Saturday February 16^th to help their brothers and sisters at American Airlines make their final push toward election. More than twenty teams of AA and Teamster mechanics took to the streets to spread the word to those AA workers who have not yet had the chance to sign a card.  

During the press conference the TAMC acknowledged the hard work of the AA mechanics and related in their effort to bring this organizing campaign to an election and the AA mechanics announced that they have reached majority at the following stations: TUL, JFK, MIA, LAX, AFW, DWH, SFO, EWR,TPA, ATL, DCA, LAS, SAT and PHX. 

The media event was covered by all four TV networks and both local newspapers. The Teamsters Aviation Mechanics Coalition is the mechanics voice within the Airline Division.  With 18,000 mechanics and related the Teamsters represent more workers in the craft than any other Union.  

Republic Pilots, RAH Management to Resume Discussions with NMB Mediator 

Federally mediated discussions that had been suspended by the NMB over lack of progress a month ago are now scheduled to resume this week. 

While the original suspension of mediation had been scheduled to end in early summer, the announcement by the company of a new contract and flying under the American Eagle banner for American Airlines was considered to be of significant importance and warranted an earlier resumption of discussions. 

Discussions will take place at NMB Headquarters in Washington.

Airline Industry News 

Governmental and Regulatory 

Top ranking members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee were briefed on Friday by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on its investigation of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplane. 

Lawmakers plan to further examine examine the US Airways-American Airlines merger, but some have expressed support for consolidation in the industry.  

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a request for proposals on Thursday to create six sites to test unmanned aerial vehicles.  

The National Transportation Safety Board is looking at microscopic dendrites as a source of battery failure for the Boeing 787.

Airlines and Industry 

The leaders of the pilot unions for US Airways and American Airlines have sent a letter to members about negotiations for the merger of the carriers, expressing their commitment for a "win-win conclusion" to the merger process. 

On Monday, Boeing conducted a second test flight of its 787 Dreamliner. The flight lasted an hour and 29 minutes, and included 11 test-flight employees and two pilots.  

About 60% of travelers responding to a Delta Air Lines survey oppose allowing cell phone calls or videoconferencing while onboard flights.

Seniority List Update

FLASH UPDATE
February 9, 2013
An email has been circulating with two seniority lists attached. This email is questioning
the validity of the lists and claiming local management teams have them but are not
releasing them yet.
TO BE CLEAR – This is NOT CORRECT and the “LISTS” ARE NOT ACCURATE.
The lists were provided to the Union as part of an overall information request but none
of the rules the Seniority Integration committee have agreed to have been applied to
these lists. In other words, they are highly inaccurate and have flipped positions for
hundreds from current lists. Because they were highly inaccurate and will not be used
in any way, the lists were not released to the membership. As soon as the Seniority
Integration committee has the combined list and it has been checked for accuracy it will
be released to the membership.
Until a combined list is released by the Seniority Integration committee with their stamp
of approval there is no official list. Please be aware of this when receiving this type of
email. If you ever do or have a question, please contact your steward for accurate
information.