September 17, 2024 -- With the summer ending, we can reflect on our successes as we have made substantial tangible strides to “right-size” the aviation industry by securing our careers and craft/trade.
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July 19, 2024 -- With half the year remaining, we have reflected on our successes as we have made huge tangible strides to “right-size” the aviation industry by securing your careers and our craft/trade.
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May 15, 2024 -- Since the beginning of the year, the National Officers have been working to “right-size” the industry by securing your careers and our craft/trade. Although those securities are provided in your collective bargaining agreements, we continue to see many challenges in the industry, including problematic oversight in the aircraft manufacturing industry.
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March 1, 2024 -- The start of a new year is always exciting to execute our goals while new experiences and relationships await. We are going on the record once again to share that AMFA’s leadership will commit to AMFA’s objective to raise the standards and increase the recognition of our craft/trade in the aviation industry.
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January 2, 2024 -- It is an absolute honor to be representing skilled aircraft maintenance professionals and continuing the unification of these professions under one craft-specific union.
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November 10, 2023 -- We recently celebrated the Labor Day (US) and Labour Day (CA) holidays to recognize and honor the labor movement and the work and contributions of laborers. As the labor movement grew in the late 19th century, trade unionists proposed a day dedicated to celebrating labor.
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September 11, 2023 -- Twenty-two years ago, the airline industry was shaken when terrorists used commercial aircraft to attack the United States. Everyone was impacted by this horrific event and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, families, and first responders who were directly affected. We will never forget the remembrance of 9/11/2001.
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July 10, 2023 -- As many of our members are currently participating in votes and/or surveys as well as seeking information related to our many negotiating activities, please heed this friendly yet important reminder – DO NOT use your company email address for any union-related communications; please use a personal email address.
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June 7, 2023 -- The months of April and May were a busy couple of months for the Association. AMFA will continue to be the voice of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers/Technicians (AMEs/AMTs) and related skilled trade professionals by leading aviation industry changes and taking a proactive approach to protecting your work and ability to earn as well as improving wages and benefits. AMFA is the only labor union that constitutionally limits itself to representing the craft/trade of AME/AMT and skilled trade groups. It is evident that other labor groups cast a wider net and utilize a more centralized system of dictators and governance that has proven to foster conflicts of interest amongst their membership.
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April 14, 2023 -- Your dedication to prioritizing safety every time you touch an aircraft makes you critical to the success of any aviation maintenance operation. 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; be aware of your surroundings; and working safely side-by-side with your co-workers.
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March 10, 2023 -- AMFA has been busy with Shop Representative Training, contract negotiations and enforcement across the system, as well as growth and outreach initiatives. AMFA is continually striving to increase the recognition and value of our craft/trade.
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February 9, 2023 -- Happy New Year. Last year we had a substantial positive impact on the aviation industry across North America. With the successful ratification of the two collective bargaining agreements, successful representation elections at Sun Country and Spirit Airlines, and the Association’s first certification in Canada at L3 Harris MAS, AMFA is continually increasing the recognition and value of our craft/trade. We continue to set high goals for 2023.
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December 16, 2022 -- As we near the end of 2022, we can reflect on our profound success this year. AMFA leadership set ambitious goals for the Association, and we can proudly say we raised the standards and increased the recognition of our craft in the aviation industry across North America. As expressed at the beginning of this year, our Association was fully prepared for growth this year as hiring accelerated system-wide, and our accomplished attracted Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) and Maintenance Controllers (MOC) in the United States as well as Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) in Canada who are seeking our craft/trade specific union representation.
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November 4, 2022 -- AMFA’s aim is to build the craft/trade and enhance its relevance, recognition, and importance to employers and the flying public. As the voice of our craft, we look forward to advocating and raising the standards for all of the aviation professions we represent across North America. Our legislative initiatives and achievements have defined AMFA as a leader in this new generation of craft/trade unionism and AMFA leaders are still conducting station visits to share how our members can contribute to our mission via the AMFA PAC, the first and only political action committee (PAC) representing aircraft mechanic and related issues.
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October 7, 2022 -- We are happy to announce another new addition to AMFA. This is another tangible result exemplifying AMFA’s impact on labor in the aviation industry in North America and that the craft/trade-specific AMFA representation movement is accelerating. Earlier this year, the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) certified as a trade union in Canada, and earlier this week the L3 Technologies MAS at CFB Trenton aviation professionals, with nearly 100% participation, selected AMFA as their union representative.
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September 9, 2022 -- 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.
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August 11, 2022 -- Hopefully everyone had a safe and enjoyable Independence Day celebration on the 4th of July. As I expressed at the beginning of 2022, this Association is prepared for growth this year as hiring efforts at all AMFA represented carriers remain in high gear. What is more, our industry-changing contracts, at both regional and mainline carriers, have been recognized by professional and skilled workforces resulting in aircraft maintenance technicians across the aviation industry reaching out to AMFA. It is evident we are rapidly approaching an AMFA representation movement.
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June 30, 2022 -- As we hit the halfway marker of 2022, the start of July, we can already begin to reflect on the tremendous amount of success we’ve achieved thus far as our steadfast determination to raise the standards and increasing the recognition of our craft in the aviation industry is fruitful. We would also like to wish you a great celebration in honoring the 4th of July. Please be safe and enjoy this great day in history- Happy Independence Day!
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June 7, 2022 -- The AMFA Membership is the primary influence in allowing AMFA to be a major voice, raising aviation industry standards at both the regional and the major carriers and increasing the recognition of our craft. AMFA’s structure, as designed in the AMFA Constitution, empowers our membership to control the union and their own destiny. Unlike most unions, AMFA Members have the right to vote on all Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBAs), Letters of Agreement (LOAs), and elections for officers and representatives at both the National and Local levels.
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May 6, 2022 -- As AMFA’s efforts to rightfully protect your work, enhance your ability to earn, and improve wages and benefits for our membership is having a powerful ripple effect on the rest of the industry. You and your voice are the backbone of the aviation maintenance industry. That’s truly the beauty of a structure where the membership has control of their own destiny. I am extremely honored to be your champion and confidante in helping your voice to be heard. Your unity in fighting battles and tackling obstacles over the last several turbulent years has resulted in you consistently staying on top.
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April 7, 2022 -- March was a very successful and busy month for our membership and AMFA. As stated for many months AMFA will be growing our membership, footprint and visibility in 2022. AMFA will continue to be the voice of Mechanics and Related employees by leading aviation industry changes and taking proactive approach to protect your work, ability to earn, and improving wages and benefit. AMFA is the only union that can and will be that voice and is the only labor union that constitutionally limits itself to representing the craft or class of mechanics and Related Employees to avoid conflicts of interest.
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March 12, 2022 -- 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.
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February 9, 2022 -- We are forging into 2022, setting goals for the Association and raising standards of and increasing the recognition of our craft in the aviation industry. Our Association is prepared for growth this year as hiring at all three carriers remains steadfast, and our example and successes are attracting mechanics and related employees from other carriers who are seeking our craft specific union as their bargaining representative. AMFA will be growing our membership, footprint, and visibility in 2022. Action speaks louder than words and leading by example attracts.
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January 4, 2022 -- We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year with friends and family. We accomplished a lot in 2021 and persevered through many obstacles with our families and co-workers. Thank you all for your engagement and support throughout the year. As we forge into the 2022 New Year we will continue our responsibilities and mission to further raise the standards of aircraft maintenance and to increase the recognition and standards of living for our aircraft mechanics and related professionals.
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December 7, 2021 -- We hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving with their friends and family, and we want to wish you a safe Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. As 2021 wraps up we look back on a year where we have endured tremendous instability in our industry and tackled an enormous amount of turbulence in our workplace while still performing our jobs safely and professionally. We want to express sincere appreciation for your engagement, dedication, and support throughout this last year. Aircraft mechanics and maintenance professionals have shown up and worked tirelessly to sustain effective maintenance operations and produce safe and reliable aircraft for our flight crews and the flying public.
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November 2, 2021 -- I wish to express my heartfelt compassion for everyone who has been touched by the uncertainty in our industry during these unprecedented times. As we continue to navigate the COVID vaccine mandate at all three AMFA-represented carriers our primary focus remains to protect your collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) as well as your job and ability to earn.
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October 8, 2021 -- We understand many of us are unnerved by the recent vaccination mandate, but we knew this day was possibly coming and have tried to prepare for it. Southwest Airlines Co. and Alaska Air Group Inc. both recently announced they are subject to legal obligation, as a federal contractor, to require their employees to submit to the “Federal Contactor Vaccination Requirement for all Employees.” The National Executive Council’s (NEC) primary focus is to protect our craft and the collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) we represent. While our carriers surge forward to implement the federal government contract mandate, a number of questions remain in regard to the impact and obligation of our members.
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September 3, 2021 -- In the recent months, we have had numerous conversations system-wide revealing concerns regarding the rapid increase of commercial air traffic. These concerns include maintenance of service standards, limited on-the-job and equipment/tooling training, maintenance compliance, and pressure to take shortcuts while performing maintenance tasks. It is important to note that becoming a certified mechanic takes two years of school to pass a sophisticated FAA certification process and can take an additional five years to become proficient at the craft. This means that effectively replacing retired mechanics will take much longer than many carriers anticipate.
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August 4, 2021 -- With the high demands of travel seen over these last months, the industry has been tested with transitioning to recovery efforts. As we navigate through the everchanging rehiring period, uptick in more flights per day, new training and understaffing in your workplace, we encourage you to perform your job in a professional, safe, and compliant manner. Our three represented carriers plan to hire many new AMTs, Appearance Techs, Maintenance Controllers, and Inspectors this year to meet the demands of aircraft in operations and future growth.
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July 2, 2021 -- Throughout the month of June, AMFA National and Locals 14 and 32 officers and representatives continued to perform station visits at all represented carriers. With the high demands of travel seen over these last months, the industry has been tested with transitioning from cost saving practices focused on shedding and restructuring valuable frontline jobs and experienced workforce to now filling vacant positions and as well as staffing expansion within operations to meet the recovery demand for the 2 million passengers per day milestone on June 11, 2021, as reported by the TSA (current versus prior years). Our three represented carriers are planning on hiring new AMTs this year. As we navigate through the everchanging rehiring period, uptick in more flights per day, new training and understaffing in your workplace while more heightened stress, we encourage you to perform your job in a professional, safe, and compliant manner.
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June 2, 2021 -- On May 24 we celebrated Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Day, a special day to recognize the skilled men and women who maintain aircraft with knowledge, skill, and integrity. May 24 was chosen for AMT Day in honor of the Father of Aviation Maintenance – Charles E. Taylor – this year marking his 153th birthday. Everyone knows who the Wright brothers are, but not many know there was a third man who contributed to the first powered flight on December 17, 1903. Without Charles Taylor’s knowledge and skill, that airplane would never have gotten off the ground. Recognizing Charles E. Taylor for his impact on aviation allows us to remember how our craft began as well as our craft’s continued dedication to safety.
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May 5, 2021 -- We are cautiously optimistic as we continue to see the number COVID-19 cases decline throughout the US, and we are encouraged to see positive trends in air travel. As flights and our workload schedules are becoming more and more packed, remember Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the millions of air passengers each day.
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April 5, 2021 -- We hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy as we continue to navigate through this COVID-19 pandemic. We are cautiously optimistic as we continue to see the number COVID-19 cases decline throughout the US. Now that vaccines are introduced and several therapeutics are available for treatment, this may instill more confidence in public air travel. We are encouraged as we are starting to see positive trends in air travel. On Sunday, March 21, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened more than 1.5 million travelers in a single day — the highest traveler throughput in over a year. April 1, 2021, marked the 22th consecutive day that TSA checkpoint volume exceeded over 1 million passengers per day, a milestone also not observed since March 2020.
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March 2, 2021 -- We hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy as we continue to navigate through this COVID-19 pandemic. We are cautiously optimistic as we continue to see cases decline throughout the United States. Despite the challenging time, our members are the most unified we have ever been as mechanics and related aviation professionals. We thank you for your perseverance and dedication in performing your duties and producing a safe, reliable aircraft. Our unity, especially during these times, is our strength.
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February 2, 2021 -- The New Year is off to a very busy start around the Association with several new local officers being sworn into office in January: Mike Sanderson, Local 4 Vice President; Frank Logalbo, Local 4 Southwest Airlines (SWA) Airline Representative (ALR); Nic Kula, Local 14 President; Tommy Price, Local 14 Secretary; Cameron Lampley, Local 18 Secretary; and Pat Amore, Local 18 Safety & Standards Chairman. Thank you for stepping up in your new elected position. I would also like to thank the exiting officers -- Tom Hagan, Local 4 VP; Dan Burgess, Local 4 SWA ALR; Jason Munson, Local 14 President; Tom Nolan, Local 18 Secretary; and Maurice Thacker, Local 18 S&S Chairman -- for their commitment and leadership during their dedicated tenure.
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January 5, 2021 -- Happy New Year! I think we’re reassessing the definition of “normal life” and what that actually means as well as what this new year will optimistically bring. We hope you and your family had a safe Christmas and New Year, while celebrating the best you could under the confines brought on by this invisible virus. We have all made great sacrifices and adjustments in our personal lives as well as in our workplaces during this last year. Your AMFA Officers and Representatives look forward to continuing to fight for your profession as your voice and confidante in representing you in 2021.
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December 1, 2020 -- We hope you and your loved ones had a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving and we wish you great Christmas during this holiday season. As we navigate through these epic times, your AMFA Officers and Representatives continue to monitor the health and safety of our members, the operational activity pertaining to headcount reductions, as well as continuing to actively converse with all airlines on potential cost saving measures outside of our Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA).
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November 3, 2020 -- We hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy while the world and our industry tackle this COVID-19 epidemic. As we navigate through these epic times, your AMFA Officers and Representatives continue to monitor the operational activity pertaining to headcount reductions as well as actively conversing with all airlines on potential cost saving measures outside of our Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA).
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October2, 2020 -- September 2020 was another busy month for your AMFA Officers and Representatives as we continue to monitor the operational activity pertaining to headcount reductions while safeguarding AMFA protected work in this assaulted aviation industry.
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September 2, 2020 -- The AMFA National Officer Election concluded on August 10, 2020, with 26.17% membership participation. I would like to sincerely thank all candidates as well as all who participated in this election process. Voting is one of the most important responsibilities of an AMFA member. Thank you to those passionate candidates who ran for office with a profound goal of being part of the solution and AMFA’s future. Congratulations to those who will be sworn into office on October 5, 2020. I sincerely encourage all who did not win their race to continue to stay engaged and actively influenceable.
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