It is certainly a very busy time around our Union. Since the July filing for mediation at Southwest Airlines and our first session coming up at the end of next month, we have hosted the Aircraft Engineers International 2015 Annual Congress in Seattle, conducted the Alaska Airlines Annual Wage Review, filed our Section 6 Notice for the Alaska Airlines negotiations, and held our Joint Advisory Council Meeting. Additionally, all of the locals have been conducting General Membership Meetings (GMMs) and are preparing for the upcoming Local Officer Elections as well as the National Convention and National Officer Elections happening next year.

I recently attended several Local GMMs and a topic of great interest and conversation around the system was the 14.5% employee pay increases announced by Delta Airlines. Members wanted to know what influence this announcement would make on our ongoing negotiations at Southwest, as well and what impact this would have on the Alaska Airlines negotiations that are about to commence? In short, the announcement from Delta will have a very positive influence on labor rates throughout the industry. In an employee meeting shortly before the Delta announcement, American Airlines CEO, Doug Parker announced to ground workers and mechanics that they will receive Delta pay rates plus 7%. Southwest Airlines CEO, Gary Kelly declared Southwest “will continue to pay employees industry-leading wages and benefits…” but with the catch was that he is seeking greater “flexibility on work rules and other terms” in their contracts; in spite of the fact that their current agreements are obviously working quite well for the airline.

What does this all mean for us? It means that airlines have restructured the industry to a point that most airlines are consistently making unprecedented profits. Most have done so on the backs of labor and now the airlines are slowly recognizing that in order to attract and retain motivated employees they must share the rewards with the employees – the very people that are making their successes possible.

So, as we head into mediation at Southwest and start negotiations at Alaska we must all remember that you don’t simply get what you deserve; you get what you are willing to fight for and negotiate! Southwest management is doing their utmost to undermine your confidence in your union, so don’t fall for it. Take the time to read the Committee’s updates and stay informed and back your Committee as we fight to protect your livelihoods and defend the language that is so important in your Agreement.

Lastly, with so much going on, it is easy to understand that people can become distracted. I really want to remind everyone to pay particular attention at work and stay focused on safety. It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle with the time pressures we are under while being asked to do more and more with no increase in resources. It is crucial. If you haven’t already done so, please take the time to review the AMFA National Safety Initiative posted to the National Website. I would hate to see anyone get hurt, or someone lose their job, due to a mistake being made because of the subtle human factors that evolve into dangerous cultural norms. Look out for one another and don’t hesitate to bring safety issues forward through the appropriate channels; your initiative may very well prevent a serious accident.

Thank you.

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