July 31, 2014
Dear Members:
As mentioned in last month’s update, the National Executive Council (NEC) is pursuing a Safety Initiative to remind our members of the vital role we all play in aviation safety, and why it is imperative we remain compliant as we perform our jobs. As part of this initiative, the July issue of “The Grapevine,” which you should have already received in the mail, was dedicated to safety and compliance.
This month saw the culmination of many projects that have been worked on for months. First, the Association provided the FAA with an on-the-record comment letter regarding drug testing standards at foreign repair stations; please see the AMFA National Website to view AMFA’s official comment. We also encourage you to visit the National Website to see our new design that is more user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. While visiting the site, please take the time to register, if you haven’t already, to ensure that you receive the most up-to-date news from the Association. Finally, National is pleased to provide AMFA hats to the membership as a token of appreciation for your support. In most cases, your respective local will be distributing these so be on the lookout for a hat coming soon.
AMFA participated in the quarterly Southwest Airlines (SWA) Labor Summit on July 24, 2014. After an industry analysis provided by SWAPA’s economist, we shared mutual issues of interest and gained perspective on the other labor groups’ current situations. A major topic of discussion was on the operational deficiencies and lack of real focus from the Company regarding them. Soon after that was completed, we attended the quarterly earnings meeting provided by the Southwest Airlines CEO and CFO to the unions. After hearing about record breaking stock price and exceeding the target ROIC, we left wondering what’s next? What new ROIC target or latest cost savings measure will be the focus when we believe the Company’s focus should be on solving operational deficiencies and settling their labor contracts?
Aircraft and Facility Maintenance Technician negotiations with SWA both resumed this month in Dallas, Texas. The respective Negotiations Updates on items discussed during these sessions have been posted to the AMFA National Website. The next scheduled negotiations are August 13-14, 2014, in Dallas.
At Alaska Airlines (ASA) we have scheduled Friday, September 19, 2014, to conduct the Annual Wage Review as outlined in Article 23 of the Contract. Due to the fact that the Company signed a newly ratified contract since our last Annual Wage Review, we will be conducting and internal ASA comparative review as well as an industry technician comparative review to determine if the 1 ½ % base pay increase maintains our proper relative position. The Air Group is reporting record profits and is motivated to have all employees working together to respond to the increased competitive pressures from Delta; therefore, we are hopeful for a successful conclusion.
For more carrier specific updates and further information regarding AMFA and the airline industry, please visit the AMFA National Website at www.AMFANational.org. Our most determined efforts will only succeed with your continued support and participation – Please stay informed.
Sincerely,
Louie Key
National Director