August 17, 2022
Participants for AMFA:
Bret Oestreich – National President
Earl Clark – Region I Director
Will Abbott – Region II Director
Louis Upchurch – Local 4 Airline Representative
Craig Hamlet – Local 11 Airline Representative
Ken Patrick – Local 32 Airline Representative
Lucas Middlebrook – Legal Counsel
Peter Manikowski – Economist
Participants for Southwest Airlines:
Kurt Kinder – VP Maintenance Operations
Anthony Wafer – Sr. Director Labor Relations
Neal Hanks – Director Labor Relations
Tamara Harrison – Labor Relations Business Consultant
Eddie Berbarie – Sr. Attorney, General Counsel
Gary Bjarke – Director Maintenance Contacts
Brianna Grant – Sr. Manager Labor Administration
Kris Townsend – Labor Administration Manager
Patrick Breit – Financial - Planning & Analysis
AMFA and Southwest have been engaged in bargaining exchanges, held virtually and in person, regarding an extension to the Aircraft Appearance Technician (AAT) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). These discussions commenced in early June 2021 and a Tentative Agreement (TA) was overwhelmingly rejected by the AAT membership in July 2022.
The Parties met for one day on August 9 in Dallas. The discussion began with negotiations regarding the Savings Clause and recent related grievances. After only a few proposals and limited discussion, however, the Company expressed its desire to put those issue aside and focus on bargaining toward a second Contract Extension Letter of Agreement. AMFA agreed with this approach.
The Parties exchanged proposals and engaged in productive discussion toward a second Contract Extension LOA TA, and we are hopeful the Company shares our interest in reaching prompt a agreement for your consideration and possible ratification. The Parties are currently scheduled to reconvene bargaining toward a second Contract Extension LOA TA on September 7-8 in Dallas, but have agreed to continue negotiation discussions electronically in the weeks before with the aim of reaching agreement sooner.
Please do not hesitate to contact your ALR with any questions, and rest assured AMFA will update its SWA AATs promptly following the conclusion of next week’s bargaining session.
Fraternally,
AMFA-SWA AAT Negotiating Committee