Dear Members:

With half the year remaining, we have reflected on our successes as we have made huge tangible strides to “right-size” the aviation industry by securing your careers and our craft/trade. We have made strong efforts and have secured job protections, ratified industry-changing wages and benefits, and increased the recognition of your licenses as Aircraft Maintenance Engineers/Technicians (AME/AMT) and Facilities Maintenance Technicians (FMTs).

Industry Challenges

Your collective bargaining agreements are only as good as those of the day-to-day industry we work in. We still see government oversight of manufacturers struggle with compliance issues, delayed manufacture deadlines, and compounding the industry's instability with AME/AMT shortages that continue to cause the industry to suffer from the necessary qualified and experienced workforce to keep up with potential aviation industry growth.

Addressing Workforce Shortages

The AMT population is expected to fall nearly 30,000 AMTs short of meeting just commercial aviation needs by 2031. Over the next 20 years, Boeing estimates that the industry will need 612,000 new pilots, 626,000 new maintenance technicians, and 886,000 new cabin crew members. By 2027, projected to be the worst year for the shortage, we might see a supply deficit of more than 48,000 aircraft maintenance professionals or a shortfall of about 27%.

Demographics and Industry Growth

The aviation technician population continues to grow older. The average FAA AMT is 53, which is 11 years older than the usual U.S. worker. Females comprise a much younger demographic; the average female AMT is 45. Thirty-eight percent of the AMT population is age 60 or older.

In Canada, current ages make up the eroding skillset and experienced workforce vs. industry growth outpacing the AMEs. The De Havailin expansion outside of Calgary will create approximately 2,000 new jobs. Marshall Aerospace expansion in Abbotsford BC will add approximately 500 new jobs. Both facilities should be operational in the next 2-3 years.

Age Distribution of AMEs in Canada

Raising Industry Standards

AMFA’s goal is ensuring that the aviation maintenance workforce is robust, and the craft-trade retains its integrity, professionalism, and high standards. These elements are essential to one of AMFA’s primary objectives: to “raise the standards of and increase recognition of the [craft/trade of AME/AMTs and Related Employees].”Implementing the recommendations in this document can be justified under the AMFA Constitution.

Reflecting on the issues presented and committing to implement focused and meaningful solutions via the proposed recommendations, AMFA can express its continued sincerity towards a profession deserving of its valued and prominent place in the aviation industry in North America.

Safety is Paramount

As you perform your duties, remember the public relies on your expertise and trust in your ability to ensure flight safety. We must not compromise safety, regardless of outside influences. Every maintenance check is crucial in proactively identifying, assessing, and resolving potential issues to maintain aircraft in flight-ready status.

Please use your carrier’s Safety Reporting System (SRS) when you feel there are safety or compliance concerns while performing your job. In addition to your carrier’s SRS, the FAA Hotline may be used to report aviation safety concerns: https://hotline.faa.gov/.

Supporting Our Members

AMFA is the voice of the AMT/AME and related skilled professionals. As your representative, we will continue to support you by taking action to protect your work, your ability to earn, raise wages, and improve benefits. We are committed to aggressively defending the rights of aircraft maintenance professionals in both Canada and the United States. We know how to combat coercive employer strategies that decrease your quality of life and jeopardize air travel safety.

Legislative Initiatives

Our legislative initiatives and achievements have defined AMFA as a leader in this generation of craft/trade unionism across North America. For more information on our legislative action, please visit the Government Affairs page of the AMFA National website.

Negotiation Updates

It has been a busy time for our Negotiating Committees. Thank you to the AMT/AME and related members who participated in the negotiation sessions. Your attendance and engagement in the bargaining process help to strengthen and increase industry standards for all AMEs/AMTs across Canada and the United States.

WestJet Airlines (WJ)

The AMFA-WestJet Airlines (WJ) Negotiation Committee scheduled a very aggressive Roadshow Zoom schedule, and WJ members needed to have time to review the full test of the first Tentative Agreement (TA1) and gather information before casting their vote. Voting on TA1 opened on May 28 and closed on June 11. The WJ Membership rejected TA1 by an overwhelming 97.25% no vote.

WestJet’s lack of respect for its AMEs contributed to the rejection of the tentative agreement. However, the primary reasons for the rejection were economic issues and WestJet’s bad-faith bargaining tactics. AMFA conducted a survey among its members to identify the necessary changes in the tentative agreement to secure its ratification.

On May 9th, 2024, the votes for the AMFA-WJA Strike Authorization Referendum showed a 99.18% approval for a strike. On June 17, 2024, WestJet refused to proceed with negotiations scheduled for June 19 and 20 in Calgary. WestJet’s submission to force arbitration of the collective bargaining agreement terms further escalated tensions. AMFA served WestJet with legal notice of the intention to strike beginning on June 20, 2024. AMFA (amfanational.org)

On June 19, 2024, WestJet threatened its AMEs with a lockout and asked the CIRB to issue an injunction barring a strike. The CIRB declined WestJet’s application, reaffirming union employees’ right to strike. Following this decision, WestJet agreed to return to the bargaining table, prompting AMFA to withdraw its strike notice. AMFA (amfanational.org)

On June 20, 2024, the CIRB held an emergency conference, urging WestJet to return to bargaining. WestJet’s commitment to negotiate prompted AMFA to withdraw its strike notice. However, WestJet’s inconsistent behavior continued, leading to further tensions. AMFA (amfanational.org)

On June 27, 2024, the Minister of Labour ordered the CIRB to impose final binding arbitration to resolve outstanding terms. AMFA continued negotiations, extending sessions in Toronto and Calgary if necessary. AMFA (amfanational.org)

On June 28, 2024, the Company shut down negotiations and engaged in related unlawful conduct. We are available to resume collective bargaining tonight, Saturday, Sunday and into next week. In-person, virtually, or in any other manner that moves the parties forward. AMFA emailed WestJet Labor Relations to immediately renew negotiations. AMFA (amfanational.org)

On June 28, 2024, AMFA and WestJet addressed the strike notice before the CIRB. At 7:30 p.m. Eastern, AMFA directed its members to cease all work. The CIRB confirmed that it would not enjoin the strike. AMFA’s bargaining committee remains ready for productive negotiations. AMFA (amfanational.org)

On June 30, 2024, AMFA and WestJet announced a Tentative Agreement (TA2) on a new five-year agreement, rendering compulsory arbitration unnecessary. We believe this outcome would not have been possible without the strike. We regret the disruption it caused but are pleased that the strike lasted only 48 hours and service returned to normal.

Following the signed tentative agreement, WestJet AMEs worked diligently to get planes flying safely. The negotiation committee held roadshows to explain the changes made to the original TA. On July 12, 2024, the TA2 was ratified by 96.28% membership approval. The AMFA-WJA Negotiating Committee is grateful for everyone’s contribution and support. For further updates and negotiation information, please visit the WestJet page of the AMFA National website.

L3 Harris MAS (L3)

L3 Harris MAS is exploring a new station in Ottawa, ON, for maintaining two new A330 aircraft. The Trenton, ON, membership will continue with the A310 fleet. Grievances are ongoing at both stations. Due to recent ethics complaints, AMFA National will investigate and assist Local 4. For updates, visit the L3 Harris MAS page on the AMFA National website.

Alaska Airlines (AS)

On April 3, 2024, AMFA called for nominations for the Primary AMFA–Alaska Airlines (AS) Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Event Review Committee (ERC) Representative. Congratulations to Timothy Cullen, a dedicated advocate for the ASAP program. For more details, visit the Alaska Airlines page on the AMFA National Website.

Sun Country Airlines (SCA)

Congratulations to Russ Olson was elected as the Primary AMFA-SCA ASAP Representative on May 28, 2024. Thank you for stepping into this very important safety and compliance role. Mediation with the National Mediation Board (NMB) on June 18-20, 2024, revealed frustrations with the pace of negotiations. AMFA plans to establish a picket/strike preparation committee. The next mediated sessions are on July 12, August 23, and in-person on September 23-25 in Tampa. Visit the Sun Country Airlines page for updates.

Spirit Airlines (NK)

Congratulations to Seth Smale and Michael Marchut, elected as Primary and Alternate ASAP Representatives, respectively. A three-day mediation session in May 2024 led to tentative agreements on Safety & Health and Grievance Procedure. The next session is scheduled for July 15-17, 2024. For more information, visit the Spirit Airlines page on the AMFA National website.

Southwest Airlines (SWA)

Votes for the Primary AMFA–Southwest Airlines (SWA) Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Event Review Committee (ERC) Representative and Outsourcing Liaison Representative (OLR) Election were tallied on June 13. Members elected Duane Mendez to the position after two very close elections. Congratulations Duane for stepping into this critical role for safety. He has also actively been engaged with protecting the AMFA Members for over decades.

We thank the outgoing representative John J. Paonessa, who took care of members in this role for a long time. His tenacious support and advocacy will be missed dearly.

We also would like to show our appreciation to the Outsourcing Liaison Representative Nino DiMaggio whose work protecting our CBA at SWA and efforts to secure protected work was exceptional. His commitment as an AMFA union member and representative over decades will not be forgotten.

We welcome and congratulate Nino’s replacement Michael Mutsaers as the new OLR. Michael has also been a staunch AMFA supporter and Representative and was the data-extracting pioneer of this OLR before an official union position was established. Thank you for your continued engagement in this role. Thank you both for your time in service with AMFA.

SWA 401(K) Me-Too Provision Update: On July 2, 2024, your SWA Airline Representatives put out an update on the AMFA-SWA 401(K) Me-Too Provision. The SWA CBA contains certain language referred to as “me-too provisions.”

Article 16, Subparagraph 2(e). If an employee group subsequently receives an improvement to their 401K or insurance benefits (e.g., cost caps), then that same improvement (subject to the same terms and conditions) will be offered as an option to Employees covered by this agreement as represented by the Union. In the event of any dispute, the Union may reopen negotiations concerning the changes to both those benefits.

For more information on this matter, please visit the Southwest Airlines page of the AMFA National Website.

Horizon Air (QX)

AMFA and Horizon Air met in Seattle, WA, on June 3-5, 2024, to continue bargaining toward a successor collective bargaining agreement (CBA). On Day 1, AMFA presented an economic “term sheet” covering open items in several articles: The Company reviewed our proposals and asked questions, and then we met again on Day 2 to discuss more of the Company’s clarifying questions.

On the afternoon of Day 3, the Company provided its first counterproposal on wages and duration. The Company proposed a five-year agreement with “all-in” raises of approximately 2.4% for AMTs (1.98% for our non-AMT Members) on the date of ratification and a lowly 1.0% increase each year of the agreement. This included a $0.25 additional license premium and a $0.05 increase in swing shift premium (no increase on the night shift). The Company’s proposed raises are insulting to your hard work and nowhere close to where our valued Membership’s compensation should be. That same afternoon, we passed a full Article 7 – Overtime.

AMFA and Horizon met again in Seattle on June 24-27, to continue bargaining toward a successor collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The issues of this session continued around wages and benefits, primarily Articles 23 – Benefits, Article 25 – Wages, Premiums and Shift Differential, and the associated letters of agreement.  Other open articles were also discussed.

Our next session is not until August 19-21, in Seattle. AMFA will pick up where we left off – fighting hard to secure wages and benefits your hard work deserves. For further updates, please visit the Horizon Air page of the AMFA National website.

I ask you to remain vigilant and engaged with your union and officers. In doing so, monitor your respective carrier page on the AMFA National website for airline-specific details. Our most determined efforts will only succeed with your support and participation – please stay engaged and informed.

Sincerely,

Bret Oestreich
National President