October 27, 2025

The Federal government shut down has now entered its 27th day with no resolution in sight. The NMB has been affected by the shutdown and there are no current updates. Once the government shutdown is resolved, the NMB will take 1-3 weeks to process the IAM’s showing of interest, which will determine whether the IAM will be on the Union Representation ballots. This Union Representation election will be conducted via a paper ballot, which will come from the NMB directly via mail services. All members should review their contact information via Peoplesoft, to ensure that their address on file with the company is the address in which they receive mail. This will be the address that the NMB mails the paper ballots. The NMB will be providing an 8-10 week election period for the membership to vote. 

AMFA has continued to be diligent and busy during the government shutdown. AMFA representatives recently concluded a visit to Honolulu and Maui. During the visit in Honolulu, the IAM had been given prior knowledge of our visit and had sent their own contingency of representatives to stymie our efforts of providing the Hawaiian Technicians with the valuable information regarding our Union. These representatives were from American Airlines. The IAM attempted bullying tactics that they have already used on their own members to prevent them from engaging with AMFA. One instance involved an IAM representative following around the AMFA representatives to dissuade their members from engaging with AMFA. This tactic was negatively viewed by the Hawaiian Technicians, who were looking to gather information about AMFA. When the IAM was not present, there was an overwhelming showing of interest from the Hawaiian Technicians. They were engaging in conversations regarding the merger, our Union and its structure. There was a real sentiment amongst the group that the IAM only shows up when they need something, like voter support. AMFA’s presence was characterized by a few technicians as “a breath of fresh air” & very informative. Most of the technicians that were engaging were excited to be able to break away from the IAM and join AMFA. 

There was a lot of misinformation that the IAM had been spewing to its membership about AMFA. We were able to provide clarity to their concerns and provide factual information regarding the NMB process, our CBA and AMFA as a craft and class specific Union. The blocking & harassing tactics of the IAM were unsuccessful and was negatively viewed by their own members. AMFA will continue to provide its members and the future HA members with updates and the Union support that we all expect from AMFA.

Sincerely,

Brandon Statfield, AMFA Local 14 ALR
Jeff Heard, AMFA Local 32 ALR