Dear Members:
Today, December 6, 2013, Arbitrator Mathew Franckiewicz issued a "Supplemental Opinion and Award" in the matter of the Fourth Line grievance. This is the "remedy" award which followed the award by Arbitrator Franckiewicz issued on March 19, 2013, that found that the company had violated Article 2 of the contract by not implementing a new fourth line of maintenance earlier when the company had obtained a single operating certificate to fly AirTran planes. That "liability award" directed the parties to a "remedy" hearing, pursuant to an agreement to bifurcate the arbitration.
In today’s award, which will be released shortly after analysis of it by AMFA’s lawyers, Arbitrator Franckiewicz resolved several contested issues, some in favor of the union and some in favor of the company. In addition, instead of awarding a specific amount of money, the Award directs the parties to determine "the precise sums of money to be paid by the company and the identities of those to whom it is to be paid." Arbitrator Franckiewicz also retained jurisdiction for the purpose of "resolving any disputes that may arise in connection with the implementation of this remedy."
The Association will provide more updates as they become available. Thank you for your continued support.