August 31, 2016
Dear Members:
On August 3-4, 2016, Alaska Airlines contract negotiations continued in Santa Rosa, CA where the Company responded to our proposals for medical benefits and retirement, both the defined benefit (pension) and the defined contribution (401k) plans. The Committee’s full update has been posted to the National Website for your review. The committees also met for a second August session on August 29–31, 2016, and the Company gave us a “comprehensive proposal” that covered all open items, including the economic components of the contract. Our Committee reviewed the proposal and responded with our counter comprehensive proposal; the Committee’s full update will be available and posted soon. Our next session is scheduled for September 27-29, 2016.
The Southwest Airlines (SWA) Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) negotiations resumed this month with two sessions in Dallas, Texas. The Company has resulted to reaching out directly to the membership with mailings going to each member’s home. Our Committee has spoken with both the mediator and the Company’s Committee regarding these mailings. This month AMFA, SWAPA, and the TWU participated in Votes of No Confidence for SWA CEO Gary Kelly and COO Mike Van de Ven. This drew a great deal of media attention and coincidently, Senior VP of Labor Relations, Randy Babbitt subsequently announced his retirement on August 23, 2016; just days after this announcement, SWAPA announced that they have reached an “Agreement in Principle” on August 29, 2016. The Facility Maintenance Technician (FMT) negotiations also resumed this month. The SWA AMT and FMT Negotiations Updates have been posted to the National Website.
The AMFA National Officer Election concluded at 10:00 AM ET August 8, 2016. Sweeping changes occurred in this election with all of the Local 11 candidates winning their races, replacing five of the six current NEC officers. The election is presently under protest and is being investigated per DOL guidelines for any potential violations; a determination should be coming very soon. National has recently been informed that the Region II Director Elect has since stepped down. The National Executive Council will consult with legal and the DOL to determine the appropriate action in this instance. It was disappointing to see a voter turnout of less than 30% in our National Officer Election. Nonetheless, I would like to thank all of the candidates who ran for office, and all the members that exercised their right to vote in this important election. The newly elected officers, pending the outcome of the protest investigation, are anticipated to be installed in office on the first Monday in October.
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 support and participation – please stay informed.
Sincerely,
Louie Key
National Director