To:
Re:
Date: |
AMFA Locals and Members
National President’s Monthly Update for February 2022
March 12, 2022 |
Dear Members:
As stated last month, AMFA aims to grow our membership, footprint, and visibility in 2022. There is an organic movement to be represented by a craft-specific, independent union who recognizes our responsibility, relevance, and professional skillset in the industry and fights for our best interests at our respective airlines. JetBlue Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and American Airlines are just a few of the mechanic groups who have joined in this movement and expressed their interest in AMFA for this very reason. AMFA. Current grassroots organizing efforts demonstrate the facts.
AMFA will continue to be the voice of Mechanics and Related employees by leading aviation industry changes and taking a proactive approach to protect your work, ability to earn, and improving wages and benefit. AMFA is "single-handedly responsible for a boost in union-negotiated wages," writes Bloomberg Law. AMFA is the only labor union that constitutionally limits itself to representing the craft or class of mechanics and related employees to solidify our focus on the best interest of our members and to avoid conflicts of interest. Unfortunately, we face many challenges because our carriers, government entities, and other labor groups water down our craft and class, and in doing so, make the battle to protect our craft that much harder.
AMFA National Officers and Representatives have conducted system-wide station visits to educate members about the AMFA PAC, the first and only political action committee (PAC) representing aircraft mechanic and related issues. AMTs have been degraded for decades, and AMFA PAC is a powerful tool we can use to promote our profession in the legislative arena. Please consider joining AMFA PAC and make our voice louder. Please visit the Government Affairs Updates page of the AMFA National Website for further details.
In addition to expressing our voice within the industry, we continue to strive for the best communication practices to reach our membership. Tools are in place for our members to acquire AMFA and industry related updates via the National website, AMFA App, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and we are excited to announce the recent launch of the AMFA Insider Podcast. Thank you for your continued support in this membership outreach and communication campaign. We also continue to conduct station and GMM visits system-wide.
AMFA leaders and legal counsel continue to meet regarding the potential vaccination mandate at each of our carriers and the developments in court rulings. AMFA continues to express that all COVID related mandates are subject to mandatory collective bargaining, and all Locals are prepared to grieve and arbitrate any violations of the CBA regarding conditions of employment. Furthermore, our government affairs team is collaborating with our carriers to have influence in achieving OSHA standards/guidelines that yield reasonable accommodations for such mandates.
The Association will provide various training sessions for union officers and representatives this year. Shop Representative Training is scheduled for April 19-20 in Atlanta, and we plan to hold future sessions in the vicinities of DAL and/or PHX later in the year. Professional Standards training was conducted on February 28-March 2, and more than 40 AMFA members participated. Anyone interested training to assist with workplace conflict resolution, whether it be amongst members or involve other workgroups on property, please contact your Local Safety and Standards Chair to attend this invaluable training. Additionally, preparations are under way for Local Secretary and Treasurer Training later this year.
AMFA–Alaska Airlines (AS) ALRs continue working with the Company and Arbitrator on the Roster Apps Arbitration case, meeting with the Company regarding COVID vaccination mandate, and hiring experienced and qualified aircraft technicians in ANC, SEA and PDX. In addition, we are happy to announce that on February 16, 2022, the National Mediation Board (NMB) issued its decision to accrete the Maintenance Controllers into the Mechanics and Related class and craft at Alaska and therefore they are now represented by AMFA. AMFA sends a warm welcome to the Alaska Maintenance Controllers.
Horizon Air (QX) also continues to hire new AMTs, yet they are losing more than they are hiring. The Company is having major problems attracting and retaining qualified, experienced aircraft maintenance professionals. From February 10-19, AMFA leaders visited Portland, Boise, Spokane, Seattle, Paine Field, and Redmond to inform the membership about how the recent TA was reached, to answer questions, and to hear concerns. The AMFA-Horizon Air (QX) Tentative Agreement (TA) Ratification Referendum will conclude on March 15, 2022. Any eligible member who has not received voting instructions should contact the Director of Administration at 720-744-6629 by March 14.
AMFA-Southwest Airlines (SWA) ALRs continue working with the Company in response to the COVID vaccination mandate. SWA has stated they are in wait-and-see mode based on how the courts rule on this fluid matter. SWA also continues to hire to fill positions with experienced, qualified aircraft technicians to achieve adequate staffing levels across the system.
I want to encourage you to recognize the importance of the responsibilities and work you perform day-to-day: increase awareness of performing your jobs safely; maintaining compliance; being aware of your surroundings; and above all, working safely side-by-side with your co-workers. I ask you to please continue to be vigilant and to stay engaged with your union and officers. In doing so, monitor your respective carrier page of the AMFA National website for further airline specific details: Alaska Airlines Updates, Horizon Air Updates, Southwest Airlines Updates. For further information regarding AMFA and the airline industry, please visit your local website and/or the AMFA National Website at www.amfanational.org.
Our most determined efforts will only succeed with your support and participation – please stay engaged and informed.
Sincerely,
Bret Oestreich
National President
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