Informational Picketing

Informational picketing is happening across the United network. click here to see pictures and video.

Mediator Assigned To United Negotiations

The IBT announced Friday that Gerry McGuckin was assigned as mediator for the amalgamated contract negotiations. Gerry McGuckin joined the National Mediation Board as a Mediator in September, 2007. He serves the Board in airline and railroad cases, including Grievance Mediation cases.
Prior to joining the NMB, Gerry completed a career as a commercial airline pilot for a number of major airlines, retiring in October 2006 from US Airways. During his twenty nine year airline career, he gained extensive labor relations experience, including merger committee co-chairman for the PeoplExpress pilots, elected representative on the ALPA Master Executive Council for both Braniff International Airways and US Airways, and ALPA chief negotiator and negotiator for over twelve years at US Airways which involved crafting labor agreements for over six thousand pilots.
Gerry’s military career with the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve spanned over twenty seven years. Initially serving as crew chief on the F-86 F aircraft, he retired in 1998, as a Lt. Col., Flight Commander, having flown the C-141 aircraft for twenty three years.
Gerry is a graduate of the City College of New York with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology; he also holds a Master’s degree in Business Management, emphasizing labor relations studies, from Central Michigan University.

Although a mediator has been assigned, there hasn't been a date set to resume talks.

Special Mechanics Dispatch - November 14, 2013

UAL Mechanics Special Update November 14, 2013


Yesterday the leadership of the IBT informed the company that the resource utilization letter has terminated. This was done at 2pm EST via conference which was held over the phone. The company leadership disagreed with the union's position and requested the matter be resolved using the expedited arbitration process. The parties are now in the process of scheduling this hearing. While the arbitration process unfolds members are advised to file grievances when assigned to tasks that violate the integration of maintenance operations. All members are advised to perform assigned tasks and grieve when the task is complete. Do not become a target for discipline by refusing an order to do this work. Copies of the letter requesting conference to terminate the letter and the company's response can be found here:

Letter to Doug McKeen
Company's Response

Airline Division Week In Review - November 9, 2013

ExpressJet Negotiations Impacted by Government Shutdown 

The government shutdown caused the October dates to be cancelled.  Negotiations resumed this past week with the Federal Mediator in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

The parties continued where they had left off on Section 22 – (General and Miscellaneous), with the sides having direct meetings and discussions of the outstanding issues, with both sides passing proposals on this section. 

While the discussions were fruitful, the parties were unable to reach a tentative agreement on the section during the session. 

Negotiations are scheduled to resume in January. 

UAL Discussions on Hold as Company Announces Intent to File for Mediation 

Negotiations in an attempt to finalize the joint CBA with UAL management continued in Chicago this past week with the company presenting a comprehensive proposal early in the week that the union rejected after a thorough review which led the committee to determine it would be concessionary for many members. 

Thursday evening, the union gave its comprehensive final proposal to the company. It did so after working shoulder-to-shoulder with its financial, legal and actuarial experts to develop a contract that meets the members’ needs while satisfying the company’s objectives.  In less than a half an hour, the Company rejected the Union’s proposal and stated that the proposal was significantly more expensive than it could afford.  The Company also advised the union that it intended to apply for formal NMB mediation.   

The Company’s filing this evening brings an end to 10-months of intense, direct negotiations facilitated by the NMB under a special process that the Company had asked the Union and the NMB to participate in. The purpose of the facilitated process was for securing a mutually agreed upon collective bargaining agreement on an expedited basis.   

“While the committee is deeply disappointed at the outcome, it was our hope to reach a consensual agreement through direct negotiations. We remain ready to meet at any time and at any place to finalize this agreement in a manner that will best reward the membership for its hard work,” said Division Representative Bob Fisher.  

“The NMB worked tirelessly with both the Union and the Company to reach such an agreement. NMB Representatives who have worked with the parties throughout direct negotiations have committed to continue working with the parties while in formal mediation and have expressed their hope that a mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached,” said Division Director David Bourne. 

In a message to the membership, the committee reminded the membership that the only official source of negotiations information will be from the negotiating committee, the Division or their Local Representatives, urging them not fall victim to rumors.

Airline Industry News 

Governmental and Regulatory 

The Justice Department said it is willing to settle its antitrust lawsuit over the proposed merger between US Airways and American Airlines. However, the government is asking for the carriers to divest valuable slots at Reagan National.   

The Federal Aviation Administration issued an overhaul of flight training requirements on Tuesday. "This rule will give our pilots the most advanced training available to handle emergencies they may encounter," FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said.  

The Federal Aviation Administration said the implementation of NextGen is vulnerable to the political nature of its funding. "We remain committed to NextGen in its current schedule, but we need greater fiscal certainty this year and beyond," said FAA Deputy Administrator Michael Whitaker.  

Airlines, Industry and Labor 

Airport executives are speaking out in opposition to the Transportation Security Administration's plan to abdicate its responsibility for staffing passenger exit lanes. "It's no secret that the airport community and the aviation community at large has some grave concerns about the approach and policy that TSA is taking on this," said Carter Morris, the senior vice president for security policy at the American Association of Airport Executives.  

Tammy Romo, CFO for Southwest Airlines, said the government shutdown is expected to cost the carrier up to $25 million in lost revenue for November. Southwest suffered a similar revenue loss last month from the shutdown, Romo said.  

Indigo Partners has a tentative deal with pilots but not the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. The company plans to go ahead with its acquisition of Frontier Airlines, and will waive the clause about reaching a deal with the flight attendants' union.  

Boeing reached a tentative deal with its machinist union on Tuesday over production of the 777X in Washington state. A letter of understanding between the two parties says that Boeing "agrees to locate the 777X wing fabrication and assembly, and final assembly of the 777X in Puget Sound" if the deal is ratified by a union vote on Nov. 13.  

Today, in honor of Armistice Day; “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918; what we now call Veterans Day, the offices of the Airline Division will be closed.  

We hope that you will join us as we each offer a moment of remembrance for the veterans, past and present for their selfless dedication to our nation. We will re-open for regular business on Tuesday, November 12^th.

Negotiations Update For November 8, 2013

Mechanics Dispatch - Negotiations Update November 7, 2013

The committee met this week in an attempt to finalize the joint CBA. The company presented a comprehensive proposal early in the week that the union rejected.  

Tonight the union gave its comprehensive final proposal to the company. It did so after working shoulder-to-shoulder with its financial, legal and actuarial experts to develop a contract that meets the members’ needs while satisfying the company’s objectives.  In less than a half an hour, the Company rejected the Union’s proposal and stated that the proposal was significantly more expensive than it could afford.  The Company also advised that it will apply for formal NMB mediation tonight.  The Company’s filing this evening will bring to an end 10-months of intense, direct negotiations facilitated by the NMB under a special process that the Company had asked the Union and the NMB to participate in. The purpose of the facilitated process was for securing a mutually agreed upon collective bargaining agreement on an expedited basis.  The company also informed the committee this evening that they would be filing for mediation. 

The committee is deeply disappointed at the outcome, as it was our hope to reach a consensual agreement through direct negotiations. We remain ready to meet at any time and at any place to finalize this agreement in a manner that will best reward the membership for its hard work.  

The NMB worked tirelessly with both the Union and the Company to reach such an agreement.  NMB Representatives who have worked with the parties throughout direct negotiations have committed to continue working with the parties while in formal mediation and have expressed their hope that a mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached. 

The committee would like to remind the membership that the only official source of negotiations information will be from the negotiating committee, the Division or your Local Representatives.  Please do not fall victim to rumors and stay tuned for further updates.

Download Mechanics Dispatch 62 110713

What follows is Cheiron's (the IBT's third party actuaries for Health and Welfare issues) report highlighting two groups as a sample base. The 12 and 20 year technician at both subsidiaries. The Company's posted proposal revealing a all in wage rate of $40.85 would be for a technician with 30 or more years (approx. 3-4% of our membership).

 

The report details how that hourly wage quickly deteriorates when taking into account the rest of the Company's proposal (longevity scale, step increase scale, increase in medical costs to sUAL, elimination of lifetime recall, elimination of bridge retiree, elimination of line pay for a large group not working on the line, etc.).

 

While some employees would be realizing a minimal increase to their wage rates many would be realizing decreases to their wage rates under the carriers proposal. 

 

Download Cheiron UAL Proposal Analysis 110713

 

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.

Mechanics Dispatch For October 28, 2013

Benefits Grievance Update

On Friday, an et al (“and others”) benefits grievance was filed in regards to the unilateral changes imposed by the company. A copy of this grievance will soon be posted on line, until that happens, your chief steward or business agent will have a copy for your review.
 

Business Agent and Chief Steward Training

The Division will be scheduling a training class for Business Agents and Chief Stewards who present grievances at the joint/system board level. The class will be a refresher course for most, but will provide valuable information to those new to the process. The focus of the class will be on the preparation and presentation techniques required to be successful at this step of the grievance process.
 

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.