February 29, 2016
Dear Members:
This month we continued our mediated contract negotiations in two sessions for the Southwest Airlines (SWA) Aircraft Maintenance Technician’s contract in Dallas, Texas. Our Committee made progress on several issues including technician staffing when opening new maintenance stations; however, we came to a roadblock when the Company once again advanced the topics of adjusting our paid rest provisions and showed an unwillingness to equally apply the provisions of bereavement leave for members on 8-hour shifts. The Committee’s full update has been posted on the AMFA National website. We will continue the mediated negotiations in Kansas City, in March. I would hope that members are expressing to the management personnel in their work area that it is absolutely time for the Company to make the commitment to getting this contract settled now. It is completely unacceptable that while the Company is making extraordinary profits they continue to attack our contract and our work rules that obviously work for them and our membership.
At Alaska Airlines our negotiations also continued this month with two sessions. The first session was in Anchorage, Alaska, and the second one was in Seattle, Washington. We successfully worked through several issues and Articles, and the negotiation updates have been posted to the AMFA National website. Our next scheduled meeting will be March 28 – 31, 2016 in Portland, Oregon. Some of the key issues we will be working on during our next session will include, Article 3, Status of Agreement, where we are reviewing the successorship transaction language and timely notification of a merger or acquisition. We will also be working on Article 2, Scope of Agreement, and our job security Letter of Agreement #9. Please be sure to check with your local Airline Representative for observer opportunities.
On February 23, 2015 the Association held a Joint Advisory Council meeting in San Diego, California. The National Executive Council, all Local Presidents, and Airline Representatives from our two represented carriers met to discuss a range of issues from around the Association. Each Local President provided an update regarding the status of their local and local activities. The National Secretary/Treasurer provided a summary review of the recently completed annual membership survey and takeaway items. We also discussed creating an Association template for a contract ratification tentative agreement rollout process, an informational picketing strategy, and creating an Association public relations fund.
For more carrier-specific updates and further information regarding AMFA and the airline industry, please visit the AMFA National Website at www.AMFANational.org and download the AMFA App to your smartphone or tablet. Our most determined efforts will only succeed with your continued supportand participation – please stay informed.
Sincerely,
Louie Key, National Director