FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Airlines Mechanics to Hold Informational Picket At Chicago Midway Airport
Members of AMFA Local 4 to Take Message Tt Flying Customers on Wednesday, August 16
Centennial, Colo. – August 16, 2017 – AMFA National Director Bret Oestreich released the following statement:
“August 16 marks the five year anniversary of our professional and committed aircraft mechanics working without a contract or pay raise. During this period, the shareholders of Southwest Airlines and new CEO Gary Kelley have reaped the financial benefits of our record profits. Instead of following the standard set by former CEO Herb Kelleher and rewarding the hardworking men and women who built our once proud airline, Gary Kelly is taking a selfish and possibly dangerous approach. He wants to outsource aircraft maintenance work to mechanics that are less skilled than the professionals that have kept Southwest Airlines’ passengers safe and traveling on time for the past 50 years. This would jeopardize our job security and put our flying customers at risk.
“To hold Gary Kelly accountable, the members of the AMFA Local 4 will be conducting an informational picket at Chicago Midway Airport on Wednesday, August 16, 2017. The time is now for Southwest Airlines to honor the dedicated employees who built this airline through shared sacrifices. We are equally responsible for the success of our company and the safety and security of our passengers.”
The informational picket will be held at Chicago Midway Airport, Southwest Airlines Departures Terminal, on the east side of Cicero Avenue.
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The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft oriented, independent aviation union. AMFA represents licensed and unlicensed technicians and related employees actively involved in the aviation industry. These technician and related employees work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians and to achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled craftsmen and women it represents. For more information about AMFA visit www.amfanational.org.
