July 29, 2016

Dear Members:

IT WAS A HOT DAY IN DALLAS AND AMFA TURNED UP THE HEAT on Southwest Airlines (SWA)! Almost 300 AMFA members, SWAPA Pilots, and SWA TWU Flight Attendants gathered to picket and bring attention to the dismal state of the ongoing contract negotiations for all three labor groups. The July 22, 2016, event was a success and received a good deal of media attention, including The Dallas Morning News and KERA News. Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) negotiations resumed on July 26–28, 2016, in Dallas, Texas where both sides again outlined exactly what they see as the remaining open issues (there are many) and exchanged economic proposals. The Company’s proposal has not changed since our session in Chicago, but with AMFA presenting our proposal the ball is now back in their court. The full update for this session will be out soon. On July 14, 2016, the Facility Maintenance Technician (FMT) negotiations resumed and the Committee’s full update has been posted to the National Website. There are two negotiation sessions for the AMTs and one session for the FMTs scheduled in August. Institutional investors are starting to pay serious attention to the situation at SWA; click here for a very interesting article on the issue.

On July 18 and 19, 2016, Alaska Airlines contract negotiations continued in Seattle, Washington where we presented our proposals for medical benefits and retirement, both the defined benefit (pension plan) and the defined contribution (401k plan). Our Committee was assisted by our subject matter experts on pensions and 401K plans and the Committee’s full update has been posted to the National Website. Our next session is scheduled for August 3 –5, 2016, in the Bay Area of California. On July 26, 2016, the Virgin America shareholders voted to approve the merger agreement. The merger still requires federal regulatory approval, which the airline expects to happen later this year.

On July 14, 2016, the Constitutional Amendment Ratification Referendum was tallied and all sixteen (16) proposed amendments passed. Also, the Referendum Notice and Voting Instructions for the AMFA National Officer Election were mailed on July 1, 2016. If you have not received your personalized voting instructions in the mail, please be sure to contact the Administration Director at 720-744-6629 as soon as possible to request a ballot. Voting will conclude at 10:00AM ET August 8, 2016. Please be sure to make your voice heard and participate in this important AMFA vote.

For more carrier-specific updates and further information regarding AMFA and the airline industry, please visit the AMFA National Website at www.AMFANational.org and download the AMFA App to your smartphone or tablet. Our most determined efforts will only succeed with your continued support and participation – please stay informed.

Sincerely,

Louie Key
National Director