Dear Members:

We are happy to announce another new addition to AMFA. This is another tangible result exemplifying AMFA’s impact on labor in the aviation industry in North America and that the craft/trade-specific AMFA representation movement is accelerating. Earlier this year, the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) certified as a trade union in Canada, and earlier this week the L3 Technologies MAS at CFB Trenton aviation professionals, with nearly 100% participation, selected AMFA as their union representative.

These are monumental steps for AMFA as Canada is among the top five most prosperous countries in the world and has a high rate of unionized workforce to include more than 100 Aerospace and Defense Contractors, many of which also seek a certified trade union. This L3 workgroup consists of Aerospace and Defense Contractors- Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs and Leads), aircraft technicians and apprentices (Maintenance group), and occupational support services (OSS) employees. The L3 AMEs and related professionals are now confident they are in control their own destiny as we address their trade-specific concerns and work to improve stability their workplace. The shackles of conflicts of interest by “catch-all” industrial unions have been broken, and now the L3 aviation professionals can exercise their power in the craft-focused union. We will work to gain appreciation for, and fully monetize, the value these craftspeople contribute to a successful business and maintenance operations.

AMFA’s aim is to build the craft/trade and enhance its relevance, recognition, and importance to employers and the flying public. This recent vote reinforces there is no longer loyalty or allegiance to industrial unions based on the concept of value “power in numbers.” As the greedy business etiquette of industrial unions continues grasping wealth off the backs of hardworking skilled professionals and not advancing the trade, the vitality of the AMFA’s current labor movement in North America continues to gain momentum. We look forward to advocating for all AMEs across Canada and raising the standards of the trade.

Our legislative initiatives and achievements have defined AMFA as a leader in this new generation of craft/trade unionism, and we have taken the lead on various aviation fronts. With all our achievements, we regretfully have to say goodbye to Justin Madden, Executive Director of Government Affairs,  and express our sincere appreciation for his dedication, commitment, and leadership in elevating AMFA as a major stakeholder in Washington, DC. Justin helped at all levels in our industry, advocating our craft and making AMFA the expert for our craft in government and legislative affairs. Justin has retired after 20 years at Southwest Airlines, 17 years as an AMFA Member, and many years in AMFA leadership positions. The most recent position he held was Executive Director of Government Affairs (2016-2022). Justin was instrumental in establishing the first and only political action committee (AMFA PAC) representing aircraft mechanic and related issues, and he held multiple seats on labor, academia, industrial, and regulatory aviation advisory committees. I wish to express my appreciation for all his years servicing the AMFA membership and this Association.

We are happy to announce Mr. Rob Cush has accepted the Director of Government Affairs position. I am elated that Mr. Cush has assisted in this transition and I look forward to the contribution his extensive aviation experience brings to the labor movement and raising the recognition of our class and craft. AMFA National officers are still conducting station visits across the system to educate the membership about AMFA’s mission and the importance of AMFA legislative presence and the AMFA PAC.

AMFA–Alaska Airlines (AS) Section 6 Negotiations are scheduled to start in October 2022, and the contract proposal prioritization survey will soon be distributed to the membership. The annual wage review has concluded and the adjustment will be due on October 17. Your Airline Representatives (ALRs) have also continued discussions regarding a Maintenance Control LOA to address the 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) Uniform Letter of Agreement (LOA) Referendum has concluded and the LOA was ratified by the membership. Thank you for your time and outstanding participation in this referendum. Please visit the Horizon Air page of the AMFA National Website for further details.

AMFA-Southwest Airlines (SWA) Aircraft Appearance Technicians (AATs) are currently voting on a 2nd Contract Extension Tentative Agreement that includes a snap-up of 12%, work protections and pay increases. Members who have not received voting instructions should contact elections@amfanatl.org before the tally on October 11, 2022. The AMFA-SWA Facilities Maintenance Technicians (FMT) Negotiating Committee is tentatively scheduled to meet on November 9-10 in Dallas. 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.

The AMFA-Sun Country (SCA) survey concluded on September 30, 2022, and the feedback will help identify the group’s collective bargaining goals for the upcoming negotiation sessions. We want to thank all the SCA employees who participated. The first Section 6 Negotiation session between the AMFA-SCA Negotiating Committee and the Company Committee commenced on October 4-5 in Minneapolis. An update regarding the developments of this session will be sent out in the next few days. We will soon be conducting Zoom meetings with AMTs system-wide to answer member questions on the transition process and Section 6 Negotiations. For further information, please visit the Sun Country Airlines page of the National Website.

We had an initial meeting with Spirit (NK) leadership in Dallas where we discussed tentative dates to review the transition period and starting Section 6 negotiations. The AMFA-NK Transition Committee attended a 2-day AMFA Shop Representative training session in Phoenix, which included many aspects geared toward the transition period and achieving a Collective Bargaining Agreement. Please stay engaged and continue your professionalism during this transition period. For further updates and information, please visit Spirit Airlines page of the AMFA National website.

I ask you to continue to be vigilant and engaged with your union and officers. In doing so, monitor your respective carrier page of the AMFA National website for airline-specific details: Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, L3 Technologies MAS at CFB Trenton, Spirit Airlines, 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