Dear Members:

Hopefully, everyone had a great Labor Day weekend. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement. American labor has raised the nation’s standard of living and it is appropriate that the American worker recognize Labor Day and celebrate the unity, strength, freedom, and leadership of the American union worker. 140 years later, AMFA continues to progress the voice of American workers in the aviation industry, further warranting and contributing to Labor Day celebration. Guiding non-unionized, skilled workgroups to become unionized, exemplifies AMFA’s impact on labor in the airlines industry and makes it evident the AMFA representation movement is accelerating.

As AMFA continues to rightfully protect our member’s work, enhance their ability to earn, and improve their wages and benefits, our accomplishments at the table are attracting mechanics and related employees from other carriers who are seeking our craft-specific union as their bargaining representative. This is affirmation that AMFA is leading a major movement toward trade/craft-specific unionism in the aviation industry across North America. There is no longer the allegiance to industrial unions based on the concept of “power in numbers.” Repeatedly, these unaccountable industrial unions put their own power and financial interests ahead of the workers’ interests they are obligated to protect. Workers are now placing value on knowledge, skill, and integrity in the collective workgroups.

We are happy to announce another new addition to AMFA. On August 25, 2022, the National Mediation Board certified AMFA as the Union Representative for the Airline Technicians and Maintenance Controllers at Spirit Airlines (NK). We have reached out to senior leadership at Spirit Airlines and will be scheduling dates to discuss the transition period and Section 6 negotiations. Your AMFA-NK Transition Committee is in place, led by the Interim Spirit Airline Representative (ALR), Jason Salazar, who is the main point of contact for your group. The ALR oversees the enforcement of your status quo work rules, pay and benefits, and is a voting member of your Negotiating Committee. There is also an Interim Area Representative who assists the ALR on the floor and helps distribute internal communications. For further updates and information, please visit Spirit Airlines page of the AMFA National website.

What is Professional Standards (Pro-Standards)? It is a commitment among AMFA members and leaders to maintain the highest degree of professionalism, safety, and standards at all carriers. In the past, we have relied solely on peer pressure or verbal conflict to deal with individuals who we felt were not upholding the highest standards in the workplace. When individuals have conflicts with one another or feel a co-worker is not adhering to standards, they previously had no one other than management to intervene. Instead, the Local Professional Standards Committee (PSC) consists of a chairman and 4–6 committee members whose role is to help correct possible differences, resolve interpersonal disputes, and enhance professional skills. We believe that this committee will remove the burden of dealing with everyday conflicts from company management and will protect the standing of our craft.

Although Sun Country Airlines (SCA) and Spirit Airlines (NK) have not fully incorporated the PSC yet, we will be advocating that this professional process be utilized system-wide to resolve the situations described above. If you would like more information about the PSC, or would like to be considered for a position on the committee, please review the Professional Standards Handbook on the Forms and Downloads page of the National Website and feel free to contact your AMFA Local Representative. If you have any further questions, please contact National Safety & Standards Director, Scott King at scott.king@amfanatl.org.

Our legislative initiatives and achievements have defined AMFA as a leader in this new generation of craft and trade unionism. Our legislative efforts have taken the lead on various aviation fronts, and AMFA PAC -- the first and only political action committee (PAC) representing aircraft mechanic and related issues -- is opening doors for AMFA to spearhead initiatives aimed at ensuring safe travel, regulating domestic and foreign outsourcing, and combating the persistent attempts by employers, government agencies, and industrial unions to dilute our craft. We need your help in advocating for our profession in elevating and raising the standards of our craft and no longer accept the watering down of our skill and trade. AMFA National officers are still conducting station visits across the system to educate the membership about AMFA’s mission and the important role of AMFA PAC.

AMFA–Alaska Airlines (AS) Section 6 Negotiations are scheduled for October 2022. In preparation, Locals 14 and 32 proposal committees have cataloged liked proposals for the upcoming contract proposal prioritization survey and presidents have sent those combined proposals to National for the upcoming prioritization survey. Your ALRs have also been in discussions regarding a Maintenance Control LOA to address the hiring process, seniority, and current work rule transitions. Stay tuned to the Alaska Airlines page of the National Website for more information.

The AMFA-Horizon Air (QX) ALR has had multiple discussions on manpower shortage throughout system, long-term storage of potential Q400, and the purchasing of E175 aircrafts. In addition, the AMFA‑QX Uniform Letter of Agreement (LOA) has been sent out to the membership for a ratification vote. Members who have not received their voting instructions should contact 720-744-6629 or elections@amfanal.org. Please visit the Horizon Air page of the AMFA National Website for further details.

AMFA-SWA Appearance Technicians (AAT) extension talks resumed August 9 in Dallas and August 31 in Denver to address the AATs concerns as identified in the recent membership survey in response to the failed tentative agreement (TA). Dialog was back and forth, addressing the justifiable snap-up, hiring at certain stations, pay increases for top of scale, and length of the agreement. AMFA. On September 7, 2022, AMFA and SWA reached a tentative agreement on a contract extension letter of agreement that will soon be sent out for membership ratification.

The AMFA-SWA Facilities Maintenance Technicians (FMT) Negotiating Committee met on August 10-11 in Dallas and August 30 to September 1 in Denver. Your Committee was able to TA several articles and expects the Company to increase its preparation prior to the next session.

Maintenix at Southwest Airlines (SWA) still has its problems and members continue working through many issues and challenges.

For further information regarding negotiations and SWA related matters, please visit the Southwest Airlines page of the AMFA National Website. Additionally, please do not hesitate to contact your ALR with any questions.

After having met with the SCA Management Team in Minneapolis in July to discuss the transition, and we have scheduled Section 6 Negotiations sessions on October 4-5 and November 1-2 in Minneapolis. We will be conducting Zoom meetings with AMTs from all departments and shifts soon to help guide the new membership and answer questions on the transition process. A survey of the SCA employees is currently being conducted to help identify the group’s collective bargaining goals for the upcoming negotiation sessions. We encourage all SCA employees to participate in this survey before September 30. Anyone with questions about this survey should contact 720-744-6629 or elections@amfanatl.org. For further information, please visit the Sun Country Airlines page of the National Website.

I 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 working safely side-by-side with your co-workers. AMFA will be continuing to grow our membership, acquiring other professional skilled workforces on all footprints, and furthering our visibility in 2022 and beyond.

I ask you to continue to be vigilant and be engaged with your union and officers. In doing so, monitor your respective carrier page of the AMFA National website for airline-specific details: Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Sun Country. Tools remain in place for our members to acquire Association and industry related updates via the AMFA National Website, AMFA App, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and the AMFA Insider Podcast. We also continue to conduct station and GMM visits system wide. Our most determined efforts will only succeed with your support and participation – please stay engaged and informed.

Sincerely,

Bret Oestreich
National President