Dear Members:

Hopefully everyone had a safe and enjoyable Independence Day celebration on the 4th of July. As I expressed at the beginning of 2022, this Association is prepared for growth this year as hiring efforts at all AMFA represented carriers remain in high gear. What is more, our industry-changing contracts, at both regional and mainline carriers, have been recognized by professional and skilled workforces resulting in aircraft maintenance technicians across the aviation industry reaching out to AMFA. It is evident we are rapidly approaching an AMFA representation movement.

On August 25, 2022, the National Mediation Board (NMB) will tally ballots for the union representation election of Mechanics and Related Employees at Spirit Airlines, Inc. (NMB Case No. R-7587). We are optimistic AMFA will be elected as their union representative.

Our legislative initiatives and achievements have defined AMFA as a leader in this new generation of craft and trade unionism. Our legislative efforts have taken the lead on various aviation fronts, including advocacy for H.R. 7321, Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act. The real challenge here is not about which unions are “allowing” outsourcing, but which are working most effectively to protect American jobs and wages. The reality is that labor organizations should be working together to alert the flying public to the risks they are exposed to when critical aircraft maintenance is performed by non-FAA certified mechanics, both domestically and internationally. When the flying public better understands these issues, perhaps the airlines will see the value in quality maintenance. At AMFA, we are committed to this mission and, with or without the help of the industrial unions, will do all we can to alert people to the safety risks when airlines outsource maintenance. Hopefully, then, the flying public will champion this cause along with us, and we can recapture more of the work that has been lost. This Bill H.R. 7321 will impose safety standards regulations at all aircraft repair stations, including unannounced FAA inspections/audits, background checks, drug and alcohol testing, and ratio of FAA licensed technicians to unlicensed/unskilled workers.

AMFA–Alaska Airlines (AS) Section 6 Negotiations are scheduled for October 2022. In preparation, the Local 14 and Local 32 proposal committees have cataloged like proposals for the upcoming contract proposal prioritization survey. Your Airline Representatives (ALRs) have also been in discussions regarding the Maintenance Control Letter of Agreement (LOA) hiring process, seniority, and current work rule transitions. Stay tuned to the Alaska Airlines page of the National Website for more information.

The AMFA-Horizon Air (QX) ALR has had multiple discussions on manpower shortage throughout system, a new uniform LOA to be reviewed by the NEC and voted on by the membership, and potential long-term storage of Q400 and purchasing of E175 aircrafts. Please visit the Horizon Air page of the AMFA National Website for further details.

The AMFA-Southwest Airlines (SWA) Appearance Technicians (AATs) overwhelmingly rejected the contract extension LOA tentative agreement, reporting via survey that the number one concern was the snap of 6.25% followed by the wage increases being focused on progression of the bottom of the of the pay scale and the tenured employees were not receiving a pay increase proportionally. Extension talks will continue on August 9 and September 7-8.

The AMFA-SWA Facilities Maintenance Technician (FMT) Negotiating Committee met on July 26-28 in Chicago for the second negotiation session. Your Committee expects the Company to be better prepared for the next sessions scheduled for August 10-11 in Dallas and August 30 to September 1.

Maintenix at Southwest Airlines (SWA) still has its problems and members continue working through many issues and challenges. Local 11, National, and the SWA ALRs had a unique opportunity to meet with all the SWA Technical Instructors in Dallas this past month to discuss their shift assignments and current work rules. For further information regarding negotiations and SWA related matters, please visit the Southwest Airlines page of the AMFA National Website. Additionally, please do not hesitate to contact your ALR with any questions.

On July 21, 2022, AMFA Regional Directors, the Interim Sun Country Airlines (SCA) Airline Representative (ALR), and AMFA legal counsel met with the SCA Management Team in Minneapolis to discuss the transition and schedule Section 6 Negotiation dates. We will be conducting Zoom meetings with AMTs from all departments and shifts soon to help guide the new membership and to answer questions on the transition process. For further information, please visit the Sun Country Airlines page of the National Website.

I want to encourage you to recognize the importance of the responsibilities and work you perform day-to-day: increase awareness of performing your jobs safely; maintaining compliance; being aware of your surroundings; and above all, working safely side-by-side with your co-workers.

I ask you to please continue to be vigilant and to stay engaged with your union and officers. In doing so, monitor your respective carrier page of the AMFA National website for further airline specific details: Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, Southwest Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines. Tools remain in place for our members to acquire Association and industry related updates via the AMFA National Website, AMFA App, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and the AMFA Insider Podcast. We also continue to conduct station and GMM visits system-wide. Our most determined efforts will only succeed with your support and participation – please stay engaged and informed.

Sincerely,

Bret Oestreich
National President