To:
Re:
Date: |
AMFA Locals and Members
National President’s Monthly Update for October 2022
November 4, 2022 |
Dear Members:
AMFA’s aim is to build the craft/trade and enhance its relevance, recognition, and importance to employers and the flying public. As the voice of our craft, we look forward to advocating and raising the standards for all of the aviation professions we represent across North America. Our legislative initiatives and achievements have defined AMFA as a leader in this new generation of craft/trade unionism and AMFA leaders are still conducting station visits to share how our members can contribute to our mission via the AMFA PAC, the first and only political action committee (PAC) representing aircraft mechanic and related issues.
AMFA–Alaska Airlines (AS) Section 6 Negotiations were due to open in October 2022, and both Alaska and AMFA notified the other to start selecting dates for section 6 openers. Thank you to all who participated in the contract proposal prioritization survey; your feedback will be discussed by the Negotiating Committee and is a valuable tool for the negotiation process. The annual wage review was conducted in October and the adjustment was implemented in to your October 17 paycheck. Your Airline Representatives (ALRs) also continue discussions regarding a Maintenance Control Letter of Agreement (LOA) to address the hiring process, seniority, and current work rule transitions for this classification. Stay tuned to the Alaska Airlines page of the National Website for more information.
The AMFA-Horizon Air (QX) membership was heard across the industry when their contract was ratified earlier this year, putting Horizon AMTs at the top of the industry for regional carriers. This two-year deal provides significant pay increases, industry leading license premiums, six-year pay progression scale and ratification payout has allowed Horizon to attract dozens of applicants and retain qualified, tenured FAA certified professionals. We are happy to be part of raising the standards and elevating the craft as a stakeholder at Horizon Air. Please visit the Horizon Air page of the AMFA National Website for further details.
On October 11, 2022, the AMFA-Southwest Airlines (SWA) Aircraft Appearance Technicians (AAT) overwhelmingly ratified at contract extension Agreement, which includes wage increases and work protections. The group was unified through this hard-fought process resulting in an agreement these professionals deserve. The AMFA-SWA Facilities Maintenance Technician (FMT) Negotiating Committee is tentatively scheduled to meet on November 9-10 in Dallas. Please do not hesitate to contact your ALR with any questions, and stay tuned to the Southwest Airlines page of the AMFA National Website for more information.
The first AMFA and Sun Country Airlines (SCA) Section 6 Negotiation session commenced on October 4-5 in Minneapolis. The Negotiating Committee is scheduled to meet again on November 14-15 in Minneapolis. We are excited to meet with you at a Union meeting on November 13-14 in Minneapolis to answer any questions you may have about AMFA membership, negotiations, etc. Further details to soon follow regarding meeting times and location. A special election will soon be conducted to fill the position of ALR for the remainder of the term. Stay engaged, remain informed, and continue to support the Negotiating Committee as that support increases the Committee’s ability to bargain a CBA your hard work deserves. For further information, please visit the Sun Country Airlines page of the National Website. Additionally, please do not hesitate to contact your ALR with any questions.
The AMFA-Spirit Airlines (NKS) Transition Committee is in place, including an ALR and Area Representatives. A special election will soon be conducted to fill the positions of ALR and Member-at-Large Negotiator for the remainder of the term. You should have received a Digital New Member Package (PDF) containing an Application for Membership and outlining the next steps to become an AMFA member in good standing. As a member in good standing, you will be able to exercise your rights to attend union meetings, participate as an observer in negotiations, vote on contracts and letters of agreement, and nominate and vote for your union representatives. We are also asking for your participation in an important survey to help identify the group’s collective bargaining goals, which is open until November 16. Your candid responses will help determine the best communication methods specific to your group and guide your Negotiating Committee to achieve your first Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
AMFA and Spirit Airlines have agreed to meet on November 17, to introduce ourselves formally and discuss the bargaining road towards your CBA. AMFA will be proposing bargaining dates in November, December, and January at mutually agreed locations and will press its position that the scheduling of more frequent negotiation dates is required for the Parties to fulfill their legal obligations under Section 2, First of the Act. Please stay engaged and continue your professionalism during this transition period. For further updates and information, please visit Spirit Airlines page of the AMFA National website.
The AMFA-L3 Harris MAS (L3) Transition Committee is in place, including an Interim ALR and Shop Representatives. A special election will soon be conducted to fill the ALR position for the remainder of their term in accordance with the AMFA Local 4 Bylaws. You should have received a welcome letter from the Local 4 President and a Digital New Member Package (PDF) containing an Application for Membership and outlining the next steps to become an AMFA member in good standing. We want to thank the Management team at L3 Harris MAS facility at CFB Trenton for their hospitality and collaboration in the first steps in building a successful working relationship. We had the unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with the skilled professionals on all shifts at L3 YTR. We look forward to working collectively to promote and elevate our trade/craft worldwide. For further updates and information, please visit the L3 Harris MAS page of the AMFA National website.
I ask you to continue to be vigilant and be engaged with your union and officers. In doing so, monitor your respective carrier page of the AMFA National website for airline-specific details. Tools remain in place for our members to acquire Association and industry related updates via the AMFA National Website, AMFA App, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and the AMFA Insider Podcast. We also continue to conduct station and GMM visits system wide. Our most determined efforts will only succeed with your support and participation – please stay engaged and informed.
Sincerely,
Bret Oestreich
National President