The meeting started on May 23 with a review of the previous ratification process. We talked about what went well and what didn't during that time. We had a good discussion where everyone shared their thoughts and ideas. Here are a few of the important things we talked about:
Yesterday we, the Airline Division leadership and legal counsel, requested a follow-up call with leadership from United Airlines Labor Relations Department. We set this call up to discuss the August 31st date being communicated for the deadline for RAP accommodations. The company informed us that members only need to apply by that date, and that RAP meetings and decisions on those applications would take some time. That was the only semi-positive portion of the call.
Last Friday, August 6, the Airline Division was notified by United Airlines (UA) only a few minutes before its announcement to the public that it would be requiring all employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Although we were caught off guard by the timing of the announcement, there had been hints for many months in the press that UA and other employers were considering this step. We had researched this matter accordingly. After conferring with labor and employment attorneys, and Teamsters Safety and Health Department, we believe that the company has the ability to mandate vaccinations upon notice and with some restrictions.
As discussed in a previous dispatch, a summit with United Airlines (UA) Labor Relations leadership was held in Washington DC on July 21 at the IBT Headquarters. Several issues were discussed during that meeting. These issues included the UA System Board, the growing backlog of grievances due to the pandemic (especially regarding RIF and recall) and the scheduling of arbitration cases. Commitments were made to reduce the docket and to settle grievances at the lowest possible level as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement. At the conclusion of the meeting a call with the business agents from around the system took place. It was decided on that call that a face-to-face meeting of UA Business Agents was warranted. That meeting took place in Houston on Tuesday, August 3 at the Local 19 union hall.
This email is for our Sub-UAL members who participated in the United Airlines Pension that was taken over by the PBGC in May of 2005. I talked with a PBGC representative yesterday and as of June 1, 2021, the long-standing requirement for the employee to terminate or separate their employment with United to start receiving early age retirement benefits will be eliminated. You will want to be aware of tax consequences and the effects of early age penalties on the benefit you will receive.
Yesterday, along with many of you, we saw the article in Aviation Week regarding the awarding of MRO work to AAR in Illinois. To clarify, NO additional work is being contracted out to AAR. This awarding of work is simply work that AAR has historically performed in Miami and which will now be moved to AAR in Illinois.
Attached is the link to the latest update from the NTSB on the incident involving United 328.
https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/DCA21FA085.aspx
As a reminder; while this is public information from the NTSB, if you are approached by anyone asking for your opinion or views
We know that many of you have questions regarding UA 328. The IBT has been granted party status to the investigation and therefore cannot share any of the details. For those of you interested in following the UA328 investigation we are sending you this link to the NTSB investigation page. This link will allow you to get the most up to date information on the investigation. It is a public page and contains information, pictures, and videos that the NTSB has approved for distribution.
In the 2016 agreement the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) and Retiree Health Account (RHA) Plans VEBA trust, 74-2099724, was established (see article 16G). In reviewing the HRA/RHA VEBA Trust, I found that interest was not distributed to the employees from the trust but was held in it. Working with the company and our actuaries we agreed on a methodology to use to distribute these funds. Over the next month you will see adjustments made to your account.
On Saturday, February 20 United Airlines Flight 328 suffered an uncontained engine failure while departing Denver International Airport (DEN). The aircraft returned to DEN and landed safely, there were no injuries to passengers or crew. This is the third PW 4000 engine failure of this type in recent years and it is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The IBT Airline Division requested and has been granted “Party Status” to the investigation by the NTSB. We have assigned a party coordinator and have members working with the NTSB on the Structures and Powerplant groups.
As many of you know, there have been grievances filed over the one-time career move utilization during a RIF. We have been working with the Company to remedy this situation. We are happy to report that individuals that have been RIFed can now use the career move if they are planning on staying at their new location. This information was relayed on the town-hall call on Friday night.
It is time again for the application of the Industry Reset as set out in LOA #29. The good news for this year's measurement is that the TWU-IAM Alliance at American was able to achieve a rich package of wages and benefits that was used in the model to determine our outcome.
I can report today that the model worked as designed and each of you will be getting a 7.06% increase above the 1% Basic Hourly Rate in Appendix A of Article 15. The additional increase at the top of scale Technician rate is approximately $2.94/hour.
Brothers and Sisters,
It was confirmed that Brother Carlos Consuegra from the IAM passed away yesterday from complications of COVID-19. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.
My recommendations to those that worked near him, or with anyone else that has tested positive, are as follows. If you had direct contact within the last 14 days, please self-quarantine.
Dear United Airlines Brothers and Sisters,
Recently an email from a mechanic in Newark was disseminated system wide that gave an inaccurate overall picture of what has been transpiring. This situation is changing rapidly. I want to be clear; the most accurate and concise updates will come in the form of the Mechanics Dispatch to all members.
Last evening, (March 15th) the company held a conference call with leaders of each union. The outlook has degraded considerably over the last couple of days and looks to continue to get worse for months to come.
The company laid out their plan for officer and management compensation and asked that we all share in helping the company through this unprecedented rough period. However, many of us have been through tough times in the airline industry
Brothers and Sisters,
Today after discussions with the company, I was able to achieve an agreement that no one affected by COVID-19 virus will be disciplined for using their sick leave. In addition, that company will also work with you if you are the sole caregiver as a result of a school closure due to the COVID-19 virus.
