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National Director's April 2019 Update
May 06, 2019

May 6, 2019

Dear Members:

The Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC) was held on April 8-11, 2019, in Atlanta, GA. AMFA was once again a proud corporate sponsor of this event that promotes aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) and highlights the knowledge, skill, and integrity of our craft. There were 82 teams in this year’s competition, consisting of military, students, and airlines from around the world. 

We would like to extend special thanks to the Alaska Airlines (AS) Maintenance & Engineering Department for sponsoring two teams in the Commercial Category: Team Seattle and Team Anchorage. They also sponsored four judges in the Alaska Airlines event. Both teams did exceptional in 31 events. Congratulations to both teams for representing AMFA-Alaska Airlines AMTs amongst the best-of-the-best in the industry.

The AMFA–AS Negotiating Committee met with Alaska Airlines in Seattle, WA on April 25, 2019, to establish the status of the transition agreement. Surprisingly, the Company presented a Transition Agreement proposal, including a two-year extension with increased rate percentages on all-in rates as well as the previous proposed enhancements included in the Alaska Airlines –Virgin America Transition Agreement that was rejected by the membership in December 2018. The AMFA-AS Committee countered with adjustments to their proposal. Please see AMFA-ASA Virgin America Transition Agreement Discussions Update #8 for further details. We are scheduled for a conference call on May 1, 2019, and a face-to-face meeting on May 9, 2019 in Seattle, WA. AMFA is committed to reaching a mutual agreement to bring our two workgroups together. Please monitor the Alaska Airlines News and Updates page of the AMFA National website for further details.

The AMFA–Southwest Airlines (SWA) AMT Tentative Agreement (TA) Ratification Referendum commenced on April 23, 2019, and the voting period will conclude at 10:00AM ET on May 21, 2019. We are trying to accommodate all AMFA-SWA members on voting: [1] those who wish to know their bonus value before voting, and [2] those who have read the TA and wish to vote ASAP, regardless of the final bonus ratification numbers. We understand both positions, but it is our responsibility to focus our efforts on ensuring the dollar amounts are correct and accurate.

Ratification bonus amounts are being calculated by the AMFA–SWA Negotiating Committee and our Economist utilizing payroll and personnel data provided by Southwest Airlines. Both the AMFA and Company Negotiating Committees have been persistently working behind the scenes to audit and validate the numbers to ensure the ratification bonus amounts are accurately calculated in accordance with LOA #4 C (1) and (2). There are only a few remaining issues that the parties are collaboratively reconciling.

One ratification bonus check will be issued using the methodology of the LOA 4, Exhibit A:

  • (4) MX Control and Technical Instructors salaries are computed and used in the methodology as their pay structure is different than AMTs.
  • (5) explains how to calculate AMTs, leads, and inspectors pay structure. The $145.5M will be used for paragraphs 4 and 5 portion of the ratification bonus calculation.
  • (6) is a simpler prorated method to calculate the remaining $14.5M amount of the $160M total.
    The amounts of paragraphs 4, 5, and 6 will be summed to determine your ratification bonus.
  • As per (2), there will be a small amount of the $160M held out for employees who are going through an employee termination grievance. After the final resolution of all the termination grievances, a second distribution will take place to pay the returning employee his portion. If the grievance is lost, his money will be split amongst the group.

After the Company verifies that AMFA’s calculations do not exceed the $160M and validates the final individual numbers, the Company will send the amount to each individual’s Company email address. This process will be completed prior to the end of the voting period. Thank you for your patience during this process as it is of the utmost importance to verify that the values generated in accordance with LOA #4 are accurate.

On April 21-22, 2019, we conducted the Association’s first Joint Advisory Council (JAC) Meeting of 2019 in Austin, TX. Due to the State of Operation Emergency declared by Southwest Airlines earlier this year, the meeting scheduled for February was postponed to April. System-wide and airline specific issues were presented and discussed by the Association’s leaders.

The NEC continues our efforts to achieve the best communication practices to reach our membership. Tools are in place for our members to acquire latest news and updates regarding current events throughout the Association via the National website, AMFA App, and social media. The NEC also continues to conduct station and GMM visits throughout the system. Thank you for your continued support in this communication campaign.

Reminder: the FAA Hotline reporting system may be utilized to report concerns of aviation safety: https://hotline.faa.gov/. We must realize our grave responsibility as FAA certified airman to exercise our judgement on the airworthiness of aircraft and equipment. We, therefore, pledge unyielding adherence to these precepts for the advancement of public safety of aviation and for the dignity for our craft.

As always, I ask you please be safe and to stay engaged with your union and officers. For more carrier specific updates and further information regarding AMFA and the airline industry, please visit the AMFA National Website at www.amfanational.org. Our most determined efforts will only succeed with your continued support and participation – please stay informed.

Sincerely,

Bret Oestreich
National Director


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