Primary AMFA-SWA ASAP ERC Representative

Name: Duane Mendez

Current Position: AMFA (Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association) 32 Las Vegas Area Representative

Background: Duane Mendez is a dedicated advocate for the rights and safety of aircraft mechanics in the Las Vegas area. With an extensive 23-year tenure at Southwest Airlines (SWA), an additional 8 years at other airlines and 4 years in the military, Duane brings a wealth of experience to his role as the AMFA 32 Las Vegas Area Rep. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to serving in various union capacities, including Shop Rep, Area Rep and Airline Rep, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to supporting his fellow AMFA members.

Professional Experience: For the past six years, Duane has held the position of AMFA 32 Las Vegas Area Representative, where he has worked tirelessly to protect the rights and interests of his colleagues. His tenure in this role has been marked by a proactive approach to addressing issues facing aircraft mechanics, as well as a steadfast commitment to ensuring safe working conditions, fair treatment, and representation within the industry.

In addition to his role as Area Rep, Duane has also stepped up to serve as a Temporary Airline Rep for Local 32 on two separate occasions, further demonstrating his versatility and willingness to take on leadership responsibilities when needed.

Mission and Values: Duane is driven by a deep sense of duty and solidarity towards his fellow AMFA members. He views his role as more than just a job but as a calling to continue advocating for the rights and well-being of his colleagues. Through his actions and advocacy, Duane aims to create a supportive and empowering environment for aircraft mechanics, where their voices are heard, and their rights are protected.

Future Goals: Looking ahead, Duane hopes to continue his work as an advocate for AMFA members as the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Representative. He sees this role as one where he can continue to make a positive impact by championing the rights of AMFA members and working towards a safer and more equitable workplace for all.

Overall, Duane Mendez is a dedicated and passionate leader who remains steadfast in his commitment to serving the interests of his fellow AMFA members. With his wealth of experience and unwavering dedication, he is poised to continue making meaningful contributions to the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association and the aviation industry for years to come.

Primary AMFA-SWA Outsourcing Liaison Representative (OLR)

I have been representing us in one capacity or another for approximately all of the past twenty-four years. It began with my first
assignment as a Teamster contract Steering committee member in 2000, through 2001. The past seven years I have served as our AMFA Outsource Liaison (OLR). 

While serving as your Outsource Liaison it’s my daily job to investigate every work package assigned to every one of our aircraft planned for a vendor visit in advance of the visit. The time lines are short, the work scopes are massive, and the rabbit holes are deep and plentiful. I have a relentless love of research to the point of obsession. Armed with an indepth knowledge of article two. I deep dive every outsourced task and ask why? I dissect every new requirement and advocate; why not us. 

Over the past seven years by way of the grievance process, I’ve successfully fought to bring outsourced work in house. Including but
not limited to, a kick panel mod line, several PSEW wing skin inspections, VSV actuator replacements, Elevator repair surveys, 178
bulkhead tooling damage Inspections, increased inlet Cowl repairs, lavatory faucets, pickle fork inspections, and crown skin inspections. These tasks wholly or in part where being outsourced. I’ve also successfully grieved and forced a GEOW notification process, in house Fuel Nozzle replacements and a mandatory overtime Dallas Sheet metal shop requirement. Every week and without a grievance I force individual task removals from the check packages.

Thank you for allowing me to represent us. I truly enjoy the work and respectfully wish to continue.

Sincerely,
Nino

My thanks to the AMFA membership for considering me for the position of Primary outsourcing liaison. I’ve worked at Southwest for 25 years and have been very actively involved in AMFA. From serving as an area representative to pro standards representative and currently as a shop

representative. I also served on an outsourcing committee in the early 2000s which we were given access from the

company to monitor the outsourcing that was being done, mainly the work that was being attached to heavy check packages. after all the findings, a grievance was filed and one of the remedies to the grievance was that we agreed to the outsourcing representative, which is in place today, so I think I’m very qualified for this position and I would serve the membership well.