Southwest Material Specialists vote down, “Last, Best and Final” offer, file for mediation.  

On August 28th, Material Specialists at Southwest rejected the company’s “Last, Best and Final” contract offer. The Union and Company jointly filed for Mediation. The National Mediation Board has responded and assigned a case number. As of this time, no dates for the first meeting have been announced.

Airline Industry News 

Governmental, Regulatory  and Industry

The Federal Aviation Administration announced its fourth round of airport infrastructure grants, totaling $616.9 million to fund 408 projects at 226 airports. Projects funded include runway and taxiway improvements, aprons, terminals, snow-removal equipment, and firefighting equipment and training. 

United Continental Holdings, parent of United Airlines, will transfer its listing to the Nasdaq Global Select Market from the New York Stock Exchange on Sept. 7. "Their highly respected trading platform and marketing initiatives offer the most cost-effective listing alternative and support our work to deliver on our cost targets," United Chief Financial Officer Gerry Laderman said. 

United Airlines is using iPads for aircraft maintenance, saving at least 17 minutes during maintenance. "The iPads give us that edge," said David Caster, maintenance manager. "It gives us efficiency we need that allows us to operate in a safe and on-time manner."

Labor Day 2018

On this weekend when millions of Americans celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of the school year, we wish to recall the true meaning of Labor Day; to honor the hard-working men and women who have built this nation. It is for them and their legacy, and each of you, that we honor those who have stood the test to make it possible for millions to enjoy the benefits that your solidarity has made possible.  

Out of respect for those who led the way over the decades, for you and your union brothers and sisters and your families, and mindful of those who will follow you in the future, the offices of the Airline Division will be CLOSED on Monday, September 3rd. We will reopen for regular business on Tuesday morning, September 4th.  

We wish you, your families and your union brothers and sisters a happy and safe Labor Day.