FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Phone:
Email: |
Bret Oestreich, National President
(720) 744-6628
bret.oestreich@amfanatl.org |
AMFA WELCOMES SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES TECHNICIAN AND RELATED EMPLOYEES
CENTENNIAL, CO – June 9, 2022 – The National Mediation Board (NMB) officially announced today that the Aircraft Maintenance Mechanics and Related (M&R) employees voted overwhelmingly to elect the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) as their collective bargaining agent.
Earlier this winter, M&R at Sun Country Airlines submitted signed authorization for representation cards from nearly 75% of its workgroup to AMFA, requesting that they file for a representation election with the NMB on behalf of their workgroup.
“We are extremely humbled and excited that these talented professionals appreciate AMFA’s commitment to raising the standards of our invaluable craft,” said Bret Oestreich, AMFA National President. “We are honored to be given this opportunity to be the first and only craft-specific union to represent this skilled workgroup. The grassroots organizing committee started this union campaign, and today’s outcome was the culmination and affirmation of their hard work.”
Prior to today’s announcement, Sun Country Airlines technicians had been non-union since the flight operations started in 1983. “Today’s vote is another example of the resurgence of craft-specific unions,” said Oestreich. “The future belongs to craft unions because they are designed to be stakeholders that defend their members’ interests at the bargaining table, not profit from them.”
Sun Country Airlines is classified as a new breed hybrid low-cost air carrier, cargo, and charter business headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. The company operates 43 passenger and 12 freighter aircraft with more than 1,600 employees.
“One of AMFA’s objectives is to elevate the standards and increase recognition of Aircraft Technicians. With that in mind, AMFA’s leaders are excited to work with our newest bargaining unit,” said Oestreich.
The AMFA Sun Country Transition Committee will be meeting with our new members and Sun Country leadership soon to discuss the most pressing matters and outline how the parties intend to move forward.”
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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 people it represents. For more information about AMFA visit www.amfanational.org.