United Airlines Bargaining Update 11/13/24

United Airlines Teamsters Kick Off Eighth Round of Bargaining in Denver, Reach Tentative Agreement on Sick Leave 

Yesterday, the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee began the eighth round of bargaining in Denver. The committee is working diligently to reach agreements on the remaining non-economic articles of the contract so economic bargaining with the carrier can begin. 

During Tuesday’s session, the committee reached a tentative agreement with the company on Article 11: Leave and Occupational Injury. United must now consider extenuating circumstances, such as worsening illness or injury, when monitoring a Teamster’s use of sick/injured leave. 

“The committee did a fantastic job of holding United’s feet to the fire and forcing the company to agree to our proposal,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “We look forward to getting what we want on the rest of the open non-economic items as soon as possible.” 

The committee also received an economic presentation from Teamster economists on Tuesday, highlighting United’s recent profitability, the current state of wages in the industry, and economic factors to consider before bargaining the contract’s economic articles. 

“We’re eager to get into the mud and negotiate our pay and health care, but we aren’t budging until we reach agreements on the last non-economic items,” said Jasmine Johnson, a technician from Teamsters Local 986 out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and member of the negotiating committee. “Reaching an agreement on sick/injured leave is a good start to this week’s negotiations. We’re going to keep pushing this momentum towards a contract that reflects our value.”

United Airlines Bargaining Update 11/8/24

United Airlines Teamsters Conclude Seventh Round of Bargaining, Reach Agreement in Principle on RIF and Recall

Yesterday, the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee concluded the seventh round of bargaining in Chicago. During Thursday’s session, the committee reached an agreement in principle with the company on Article 6: RIF and Recall. In the agreement, the union successfully revised United’s Reduction in Force and Recall provisions to enhance Teamsters’ job protections and furlough rights when the company reduces the number of employees at a given station.

Specifically, the agreement in principle provides protections for furloughed Teamsters to keep their recall rights at their home station, even if they fill a vacancy at another station within the same point. Additionally, it allows for Teamsters to exercise Craft Seniority if United transfers work between stations, allowing members to transfer to the new location before vacancies are filled by new hires.

“I’m proud of the committee for standing together and sticking to its guns on this important Teamster issue,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “Thanks to the determination of the negotiating committee, United Airlines Teamsters will have more protections than ever before if the company decides to reduce the workforce.”

“This wasn’t easy to get, but we refused to give up. It is a fantastic win for our members,” said Ron Forziati, a Teamsters Local 25 technician out of Boston and member of the national bargaining committee. “Even if the company initiates furloughs, the provisions we gained will help protect our jobs, increase the options we have on the table, and reduce the stress on our families in such an event.”

The eighth round of bargaining will take place in Denver next week from November 12-14.

United Bargaining Update 10/23/24

United Airlines Teamsters Continue to Fight for Safety in Adverse Conditions, Propose Changes to Grievance and Board of Arbitration Procedures – 10.23.24

The United Airlines Teamster National Negotiating Committee resumed negotiations with the carrier on Wednesday. Bargaining continued on United’s procedures during adverse conditions, with the committee fighting to ensure that United Airlines Teamsters are protected from harm as well as potential pay loss and disciplinary actions in the event a facility is impacted by extreme weather or a natural disaster. The committee is also calling for more proactive communication from United during these events so that Teamsters know the status of a facility well in advance of the start of a work shift.

“We are making some progress with the company on this issue, but not nearly enough has been done to meet our concerns,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “The rank-and-file committee has shown incredible determination in fighting for these necessary protections for our members. Despite not yet reaching an agreement, we will not back down on our principles or concede anything that compromises the safety or job security of United Airlines Teamsters.”

In addition to continuing discussions on adverse conditions, the subcommittee on Grievance and Arbitration reengaged with the company with the goal of better protecting Teamster rights during these procedures. Specifically, the Teamsters are suggesting the parties adopt a System Board of Adjustment process where System Board members can rely on the advice of neutral mediators to streamline the process and not only clear the current backlog of grievances at the carrier but prevent future backlogs from forming.

“The committee thinks this is a major opportunity to reimagine these procedures at United for the benefit of rank-and-file Teamsters,” said Scott Stoddart, a technician at Los Angeles International Airport from Local 986 and member of the Teamsters negotiating committee. “We deserve more efficient grievance and adjustment processes without sacrificing our rights, and I look forward to building those procedures with my fellow Teamsters on the committee.”

Negotiations will continue in Chicago until October 24.

United Airlines Bargaining Update 10/7/24

Bargaining with United Airlines continues this week with the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee beginning negotiations in Denver on Monday. During today’s negotiations, the national negotiating committee called on the company to guarantee appropriate union representation for United Airlines Teamsters during investigatory procedures, including the ability for Teamsters-approved union representatives to fully participate in any investigation of a United Teamsters technician.

In United’s current proposal, the company would have the right to determine if such protections are unreasonable. However, the union’s national negotiating committee is fighting for at least two Teamsters to be present for every investigatory procedure with certain exceptions.

“It’s crucial that our members have representation they can be confident in during investigations. The stance taken by the company to deny Teamsters this provision is unacceptable,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “The company has to do a better job of listening to the committee because we are not going to change our position on this issue.”

Negotiations will continue in Denver until October 9.

Response From United Regarding The Alight Protection Letter

To all United Airlines Teamsters,

Recently, a letter from United was mailed to each of your home addresses about a free protection program available through Alight Solutions. If you follow the steps provided within the letter, the Program will reimburse your CARP account in the event of any unauthorized activity through no fault of your own.

This letter was distributed to the membership without notice to the Union. As a result, many of you began contacting your local stewards and Business Agents with your questions and concerns.

As the IBT Benefits Coordinator, I sent United an email regarding the letter and many of the items brought up from members on the floor. The carrier responded with the following information which hopefully will address some of the questions and concerns you may have. Please reach out to your local steward or Business Agent if you have any further concerns.

In Solidarity,

Mike Moats, IBT Benefits Coordinator _______________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for reaching out and bringing us the concerns about the Alight Protection Program notice. We would like to clarify a few items and hopefully help you to understand why the notice was sent and what it means. The letter directs participants directly to YBR or the United Benefits Center, not to any third party or alternate website.

Importantly, there is no change to Alight’s commitment to data security and data privacy. The Alight Protection Program (“APP”) is an Alight program to help put an extra layer of protection on the accounts of the participants they administer. The APP does this by alerting participants to changes on their accounts via text messages. Without text messaging enabled, participants are notified of account changes via postal mail, which takes much longer to receive a notification of the change. Federal law requires participants to “elect in to” text messaging, so the active election is necessary.

There are only two actions a participant needs to take:

1) A participant needs to ensure they are signed up for text messaging with the correct mobile telephone number on file.

2) If the participant receives a text message regarding unauthorized activity, they need to contact the UABC immediately. The rest of the action items are simply reminders of how to protect your information. Alight has robust data security procedures, however when a third-party acts on behalf of a participant, the liability of loss may fall on the participant. So, the intent of this program is to get ahead of the breach before any monies are lost.

Here is an example: A participant is receiving a monthly annuity $1,000. A nephew of a participant attains a participant’s credentials, which allows the individual to gain access to the account and change the bank account information. A text message would be triggered to the participant informing them that a change has been made to their account. If they did not make this change, they would be able to contact the Benefits Center promptly to resolve the issue and not have the $1,000 paid to a false bank account.

Without text messaging capabilities, a letter would be mailed to the participant notifying of the bank account change. The participant may not receive this letter before the next benefit payment date. In this case, the payment would be made to the false account, and the participant would have lost $1,000. In a case like this, the benefit may not be reimbursable to a participant, as the credentials were attained through a third-party, not through a security breach on Alight’s part.

You are correct that a participant does not have access to CARP benefits until separated from United. However, this program will be in place at the time they do separate, so opting into text messaging now will put them into the program once separated.

We have requested the FAQs from Alight and will provide you with those as soon as available.

United Airlines Mechanics Campaign Meets with Wall Street in New York

On September 19th, Airline Division “Below the Wing” Director Bob Fisher travelled to New York to provide a status update on the United Airline mechanics contract negotiations and the broader state of the industry with stock analysts at six of Wall Street’s largest banks and brokerage firms. 

One key industry issue discussed with the analysts is the widespread and worsening shortage of airline technicians within the industry, and how this staffing issue could impact future growth for United Airlines and the industry at large. Analysts expressed surprise at the scale and scope of this issue, and mentioned most have never discussed the mechanics shortage issue before with either the airlines or unions representing airline mechanics. 

Fisher explained that while the sector may see a short-term reprieve due to Boeing production issues, the demand for technicians will only increase in the months ahead. Fisher further clarified that the best way for United to attract and retain is to finalize an industry leading agreement that allows the carrier to select the best available technician talent. 

“These careers are demanding and require a highly skilled and professional group of talent to keep the airline running,” Fisher added. “Finalizing this deal is paramount to ensuring the continued success of United Airlines."

Negotiations with United continue this week in Chicago. To keep informed and engaged, download the Teamsters Airline Division App at http://ibt.io/AirlineDivisionApp.

RLA Zoom Trainings For UAL Members / Added for the Month of August

NEW RLA ZOOM TRAININGS ADDED FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST. ALL TRAININGS AVAILABLE FOR ALL STATIONS.

As we work to bargain the best possible contract at United Airlines, the Teamsters Union will host additional virtual informational training sessions at United Airlines Stations across the country with our Training and Grants Department. Rank-and-file aviation technicians will learn about the Railway Labor Act (RLA), including: 

– How the collective bargaining process works at United Airlines 

– How and why bargaining union contracts in aviation is different from other industries 

– The role of the federal government in aviation labor relations 

– The ratification and enforcement of union contracts in the airline industry 

All times listed are in Eastern Time.

See the training schedule below. Access each zoom link by clicking on it at the corresponding time and date below. All times listed are in Eastern Time. You can join any of these times that work for you, regardless of your station.

Monday, August 26 – 6am

Monday, August 26 – 12pm

Tuesday, August 27 – 6pm

Wednesday, August 28 – 12am

Thursday, August 29 – 6am

Thursday, August 29 – 12pm

Friday, August 30 – 6pm

Saturday, August 31 – 12am

All rank-and-file technicians are strongly encouraged to attend these important trainings. For more information, contact Paul Trujillo at ptrujillo@teamster.org or Iliana Flores at iflores@teamster.org.

United Airlines Negotiations Update 8/22/24

Teamsters Conclude Second Round of Bargaining in Denver

Today, the Teamsters wrapped up the second round of negotiations with United Airlines in Denver, Colorado. After an initial tentative agreement was reached to increase the Teamsters’ recall rights from six to 10 years, the company has not made movement on all other non-economic proposals presented by the union.

“After three days of negotiations, it’s clear that United Airlines isn’t committed to meaningful progress on our issues and would rather string us along than treat us as equal negotiating partners,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “If United is going to take this position and stubbornly refuse to listen to our demands, we are ready to meet them at their level and play their game right back at them. The company believes they can take advantage of us. They are sorely mistaken.”

United Continues to Delay Guaranteeing Teamsters Rights

Throughout the week, the subcommittees responsible for negotiating Article 6 on RIF and Recall; Article 18 on Union Security and Representation; Article 19 on Grievance Procedure; and Article 20 on Board of Arbitration met with the company with the aim of reaching a tentative agreement on these issues. However, the company continues to impede progress on these matters and deny Teamsters’ protections at work.

“If the past three days have taught us anything, it’s that United isn’t taking this process as seriously as the Teamsters,” said Jasmine Johnson, a member of Local 986 and rank-and-filer on the Article 18 subcommittee. “We came to Denver in good faith hoping to make progress on critical issues, but United thinks they can divide us by delaying movement. Well, the Teamsters have a message for United: we are not going to be divided, and we are going to fight for all the proposals we have put forward to the company.”

Negotiations will continue on September 16. To keep informed and engaged, download the Teamsters Airline Division app at http://ibt.io/AirlineDivisionApp.

United Airlines Teamsters Negotiations Update 8/20/24

Teamsters Kick Off Second Round of Bargaining in Denver

 Today, The Teamsters began the second round of negotiations with United Airlines in Denver, Colorado. After presenting United Airlines with all non-economic proposals during the first round of negotiations, the company offered counterproposals to issues identified by the Teamsters during the previous round of bargaining.

“United Airlines thinks that by agreeing to some of our terms, they can ignore others. But we are here to let them know that we are fighting tooth and nail for all our demands,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “When Teamsters stand together, there is nothing we can’t accomplish. I’m looking forward to seeing the passion and energy of the 24 rank-and-file teamsters at the bargaining table as we restart negotiations this week.”

During the previous round of negotiations earlier this month, multiple subcommittees were formed to address certain issues in the current contract, including Article 18 on Union Security and Representation; Article 19 on Grievance Procedure; and Article 20 on Board of Arbitration. These subcommittees have reconvened in Denver to continue negotiations with the goal of reaching a tentative agreement on these issues this week.

Member Rights Must Be Strengthened

Teamsters are demanding that United Airlines make serious movement on every issue, including changes to Article 6. The carrier today proposed increasing the recall rights of furloughed employees from six years to eight. However, the union is countering this proposal by the company and calling for a significant increase to Teamster’s recall rights.

 “It’s about job security for our younger members,” said Joe Prisco, a rank-and-file bargaining committee member representing Local 856. “We know that if United wants to be the best airline in the industry, they need to hire and retain the best mechanics. Part of that is making sure that Teamsters have top-tier furlough protections and the ability to return to United if they have been furloughed.”

The second round of negotiations with United Airlines will last until Thursday, August 22. To keep informed and engaged, download the Teamsters Airline Division App at http://ibt.io/AirlineDivisionApp.

TSAP Update

Brothers and Sisters,

Concerns for airworthiness safety is a cornerstone subject with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters that we accept with the most importance. Not only are we protecting the livelihoods of our members and their families, the continued devotion to safety is also a real benefit to the flying public which we are proud to defend. 

Recently there have been some events within the TSAP process that have raised some serious concerns to the membership. By their actions, we question whether UAL leadership are as committed to the overall safety program as they have led us to believe. In more than one case, they have gone back on agreements made within the program with little or no reasonable explanation. The addition or threat of discipline in some cases has given us a very valid reason to pause the program while we work out our differences. 

The Teamsters will continue to protect the integrity of flight safety and commit to a mutual agreement among the parties. However, we will not be pushed or coerced into re-defining that agreement when it puts our members at risk or degrades the integrity of the program. 

The company was assured in a meeting yesterday that the Union would review the overall TSAP program and come back with recommendations on a plan moving forward. Soon after that meeting, a communication was sent through the Senior Vice President of Tech Ops to all technicians which undermines that plan. The current TSAP program is flawed but can be corrected if UAL is serious about its commitment to the safety of the aircraft and the employees. Attempts by UAL to “bargain from the floor” offer us some legitimate proof that the overall commitment may not be universally shared by all members of management. 

The Teamster leadership will continue to discuss the TSAP program and move in the direction that is right for our members. We will keep you informed to that end.

UAL Mechanics Dispatch 8/14/24

Yesterday, Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien and General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman visited United Airlines technicians represented by Teamsters Local 210 at Newark Liberty International Airport as bargaining continues with the company.

“This is the first step towards what will be an historic contract for United Airlines Teamsters,” O’Brien said. “Thanks to the leadership of our negotiating committee and the solidarity of United Airlines Teamsters across the country, we are taking this fight right to the carrier’s doorstep and will not rest until we get the contract we deserve.” 

With over 900 on-site technicians, Newark hosts the third-largest cohort of United Airlines Teamsters nationwide. 

“It’s time to put United Airlines on notice — the Teamsters are standing together. We are not playing games,” said David Mahood, a United Airlines technician from Local 210 and a member of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “Our strength comes from our determination to win. By speaking with one voice, we will deliver the industry-leading contract United Airlines Teamsters have rightfully earned.”

Teamsters Wrap Up First Bargaining Session in Chicago

Teamsters Wrap Up First Bargaining Session in Chicago

The Teamsters made significant progress for a strong new contract as bargaining began with United Airlines in Chicago on August 8. Every proposal in the union’s opening non-economic offer was presented across the table to the company.

“This is my first bargaining session, and I’m looking forward to getting a record contract as smoothly and quickly as we can,” said Jimmy Sligar, a rank-and-file bargaining committee member from Teamsters Local 19 in Houston. “The union has a great committee, and we presented proposals to the company that are really strong.”

Tentative Agreement Won on Tool Insurance
In the first round of negotiations, the United Airlines Teamsters national committee secured its first tentative agreement as the company agreed to raise the cap on tool insurance from $10,000 to $25,000.

Multiple subcommittees were formed during the session in Chicago. One subcommittee will work to address issues around Article 18 on Union Security and Representation; Article 19 on Grievance Procedure; and Article 20 on Board of Arbitration.

“We are working more aggressively and transparently than ever before to make sure United Airlines hears directly from our members during every step of these negotiations,” said Clacy Griswold, Chairman of the United Airlines Teamsters National Negotiating Committee. “The majority of the union’s full committee is made up of rank-and-file technicians. All proposals we will put on the table and fight for are drawn from the members. Together, with a united front, we have the power to take this company on and win big.”

Safety Protocols Must Be Improved
The Teamsters are demanding that United Airlines make serious movement on every issue, including changes to Article 7K. The union is calling on the company to follow the guidelines of government agencies concerning shelter-in-place orders and other safety protocol during a natural disaster. The urgency of this issue was particularly apparent after United Airlines attempted to force Local 19 members to report to work during Hurricane Beryl in Houston.

“So far, United has failed to respond seriously to emergency response preparedness. If United Airlines thinks they can drag the issue out by being obstinate, they’re in for a rude awakening,” Griswold said. “Throughout this process, we will not back down from protecting the safety and health of our members.”

The Teamsters and United Airlines will resume negotiations in Denver August 20-22.

“It’s important for the 10,000 Teamsters technicians at United Airlines to know it’s a new day and we have a more militant and more organized approach to bargaining,” said Dexter Thomas, a Teamster on the bargaining committee and Recording Secretary of Local 19. “We have heard our members’ concerns, and we will fight to make significant gains for all members every single time we come to the table. It’s important for all Teamsters at United to get and stay involved in this campaign at their stations. In this battle for an historic agreement, solidarity will make all the difference.”

United Airlines Bargaining Survey Credentials

All United Airlines Teamsters technicians should have received a text message with a unique link to fill out a bargaining survey on what you want in your new contract. If you need new credentials to fill out the survey, you must request them by Sunday, July 7, at 1pm EST. Here’s the contact information to receive new credentials:

Western Region (Including Teamsters SFO 856/986 Members):

Dave Saucedo, (425) 358-1006

dsaucedo@teamster.org  

Eastern Region:

Vinny Graziano, (201) 838-2014

vgraziano@teamster.org

Central Region:

Mike Moats, (216) 857-0763

mmoats@teamster.org

If you’re in the Southern Region (or if you don’t know your region), contact Bob Fisher, Teamsters Airline Division Director - Under the Wing, at (304) 261-3379 or at rfisher@teamster.org.

Continued RLA Section 6 Contract Negotiations

April 23, 2024

Re: Continued RLA Section 6 Contract Negotiations

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As described in our last update, we’ve reached out to the company to secure new meeting dates for negotiations. At this point, they have not provided any dates that they are available. This refusal by the company to meet to resume negotiations is unacceptable, and we are reminding the company that Section 2, First of the Railway Labor Act requires the company to meet with us in order to make and maintain agreements. If the company continues to refuse to meet with us in the near future, the Teamsters are prepared to take all legal options, including but not limited to engaging in self-help, to compel the company to comply with its obligation to bargain in good faith. We will keep you updated as new developments occur.

To be clear, we are prepared, as we’ve reported over the entirety of last year, to present our contract opener to the company. We will meet anytime, anywhere to bargain an Agreement that you can be proud of, and we will use every legal resource at our disposal to achieve that end.

In solidarity,

Vinny Graziano

Teamsters Airline Division

Facebook|YouTube|Instagram

Safety Reminder

4/22/24

Brothers and Sisters,

The explosive growth at United resulted in the addition of over two thousand technicians in a brief period of time. This scenario has resulted in many of our new technicians being thrust into situations that put them in the unenviable position of having to perform tasks that they are unfamiliar with and with no experienced technicians to guide them. As dedicated technicians, you provide a safe and on-time product and the expanded fleet and workload have put a strain on all of you. For that reason, I am asking that we all take a step back and look at how we perform our work. It is our responsibility to make sure that we are following the policies and procedures. Read and follow the paperwork! Never sign for work that you have not performed without first verifying that the job has been completed properly. Make sure to follow the LOTO procedures on every job. Ensure that you have adequate manpower when moving aircraft. When using equipment around the aircraft please follow established company procedures and make sure to use the proper PPE. 

If you run into complications that will impact your ability to perform your job safely, or impact ETR, whether it is parts, process or equipment advise your lead or supervisor immediately and work toward a solution. 

Your safety on the job is paramount. We want you to return home from your shift the same way you came in. We want you to protect your license by following the paperwork. If you do make a mistake or find a hazard or paperwork issue, please file a TSAP as soon as you become aware and let your Shop Steward or Business agent know. 

Fraternally, 

Chris Moore

Safety Coordinator, Airline Division

Facebook|YouTube|Instagram

Negotiations Update

Negotiation Committee Members:

Mitch Hunt - DEN
Dave Mahood - EWR
Blake Silverstein - IAD
Dexter Thomas - IAH
Scott Stoddart - LAX
Mike Blomquist - MCO
Mike Pecoraro - ORD
Joseph Prisco - SFO
John Laurin - SFO

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The members have spoken and the offer from the company was rejected. We will reach out to the company to secure dates for future bargaining. Further details will be shared when dates are secured. Thank you for your participation in this ratification process.

In solidarity, 

Vinny Graziano
Teamsters Airline Division

Facebook|YouTube|Instagram

Foreign Repair Testing Comments

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certain Maintenance Provider Employees Located Outside of the United States

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1058 Notice No. 24-05]

Federal Aviation Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation

April 5, 2024

Prepared by:

Cole Scandaglia, Senior Legislative

Representative and Policy Advisor

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) is pleased to provide comments to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) entitled Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certain Maintenance Provider Employees Located Outside of the United States. The Teamsters are proud to represent tens of thousands of members in the aviation industry who ensure, and rely on, the safety of aircraft and of our National Airspace System. This includes pilots and flight attendants for whom planes are their workplaces, and demand that aircraft be maintained safely, regardless of where the maintenance is performed. Important to this rulemaking, this also includes the world’s most highly skilled maintenance technicians, who maintain aircraft across the nation and whose work is increasingly threatened by carriers’ outsourcing schemes which place profit above safety.

Through this NPRM, the FAA proposes to require certificated repair stations located outside the territory of the United States whose employees perform safety-sensitive maintenance functions on certain air carrier aircraft to obtain and implement a drug and alcohol testing program. The Teamsters support this rulemaking in the strongest possible terms and urge the expeditious adoption of a final rulemaking.

Currently, employees of part 145 repair stations located outside the territory of the United States and who perform safety-sensitive maintenance functions on part 121 air carrier aircraft are not subject to the Department of Transportation’s drug and alcohol testing program. This deficiency is one of a number of safety oversight requirements that only attach to maintenance performed domestically. In total, the amount of heavy maintenance being performed at foreign stations has increased dramatically over the last 30 years as has FAA’s certification of foreign stations, which now stands at above 900 facilities.

The Teamsters have long argued for a single level of safety, and that the current “two-tiered’ system of regulation is inappropriate and fundamentally unsafe. Further, the ability of air carriers to evade regulatory responsibilities and the attendant costs of those responsibilities has undoubtedly played a role in the continued outsourcing of heavy maintenance. Thankfully, Congress has agreed, mandating the FAA promulgate rulemaking requiring drug and alcohol testing programs for these part 145 employees – in 2012 via section 308 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act, and again in 2016 via section 2112 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, when FAA failed to act following the 2012 directive. We have been deeply disappointed with the failure of the FAA to respond to original the Congressional mandate for over a decade.

However, with the publication of this NPRM, FAA is finally taking steps towards satisfying both Congressional intent and the interests of our members. We strongly commend the agency, the Department, and the Biden Administration for finally acting to better ensure safety in our skies and at our workplaces.

Application of Part 40

As FAA discusses, 49 USC 44733(d) requires covered employees to be “subject to an alcohol and controlled substances testing program determined acceptable by the Administrator and consistent with the applicable laws of the country in which the repair station is located”. Through this NPRM, FAA has correctly defined an “acceptable” testing program by simply applying existing part 120 and part 40 standards, stating that the agency “has long held that the standards… are acceptable drug and alcohol testing programs for the aforementioned safety-sensitive functions”. The Teamsters agree. It would be inappropriate and inconsistent with Congressional intent to only apply these sections in part, given the wide and consistent application of the regulations to DOT-regulated safety sensitive aviation workers, and transportation workers more broadly. Further, the Teamsters would strongly oppose the creation of a patchwork system in which foreign entities could be invited to propose “equivalent” testing programs to satisfy the statutory requirement. DOT’s reliance on existing part 40 standards to address the use of alcohol and controlled substances for domestic covered employees clearly necessitates an identical application for any further employees entered into its testing programs. The FAA should maintain this determination and application in its final rule.

Exemptions and Waivers to Drug and Alcohol Program Requirements

Under Section 120.9 the FAA proposes to create an exemption process by which a entity can request an exemption if they demonstrate that “specific requirements of the subpart are inconsistent with the laws of the country where the repair station is located” and provide “a description of the alternative means that will be used to achieve the objectives of the provision that is the subject of the waiver or, if applicable, a justification of why it would be impossible to achieve the objectives of the provision in any way”.

In the event the rule includes an exemption process, the Teamsters strongly support a narrowly tailored process and commend the FAA for proposing such a mechanism. The provision of exemptions predicated on other factors like revenue or workforce size would be clearly inappropriate in the pursuit of one level of safety across maintenance providers and contradict Congressional intent.

In the NPRM, FAA requires the submission of six elements which must be included in a waiver request, including:

(1) Information about your organization, including your name and mailing address and, if you wish, other contact information such as a fax number, telephone number, or email address;

(2) The specific section or sections of this part from which you seek a waiver;

(3) The reasons why granting the waiver would not adversely affect the prevention of accidents and injuries resulting from the use of prohibited drugs or the misuse of alcohol by employees;

(4) A copy of the law that is inconsistent with the provision(s) of this part from which a waiver is sought;

(5) An explanation of how the law is inconsistent with the provision(s) of this part from which a waiver is sought, and;

(6) A description of the alternative means that will be used to achieve the objectives of the provision that is the subject of the waiver or, if applicable, a justification of why it would be impossible to achieve the objectives of the provision in any way.

Taken together, these elements provide an adequately high bar for the granting of an exemption request. In particular, we urge FAA to adopt a negative presumption under element #3 – all exemption requests should be considered under the assumption that a waiver will adversely affect accidents and injuries unless categorically proven otherwise.

In regard to element #4 and #5, we urge the FAA to adopt a narrow interpretation of “inconsistency” and require that the provider cite laws that would explicitly be inconsistent with the rule’s mandate. The FAA must not determine inconsistency based on speculative interpretations of laws with hypothetical or tangential relevance – the provider must prove that the law, in plain reading, prohibits the implementation of a section(s) of the final rule. In implementing element #6, the FAA should consider alternative measures where appropriate which uphold the core requirements of the rule. If the FAA believes that countries’ laws on indirect but adjacent issues such as data privacy are inconsistent, the Teamsters encourage the FAA to mandate tailored requirements which still retain Part 40 compliant random drug and alcohol testing regimes while identifying means of compliance to deal with specific attendant issues.

In reviewing comments filed to the docket before the filing deadline, we observe that several commenters suggest that national laws which prohibit drug consumption are adequate substitutes for the testing requirement in this rule, and facilities in those nations should be exempted under 120.9. Given that the DOT testing panel also covers substances which are also illicit in the United States, as well as substances which are illicit barring a legitimate prescription, it is unclear why these commenters believe this presents an inconsistency, and FAA should not view them as such.

Impact on International Agreements

In the discussion of the NPRM, FAA notes that opposing commenters to the ANPRM argued that the FAA does not have the authority to promulgate the rule and cannot impose regulations on persons outside the territory of the U.S. where those regulations conflict with the laws of sovereign nations. We believe that FAA has satisfied this concern via the proposed exemption process.

FAA also notes that commenters opposed unilateral application of drug and alcohol testing regulations pointed to the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements (BASA) that the U.S. is a party to and expressed that the rulemaking violates components of existing BASAs. FAA acknowledges that “to the extent that BASA provisions concerning notice and consultation are applicable to the proposed regulations, the FAA intends to follow those provision” and critically that “commenters have not identified any specific BASAs that are in conflict with the statutory requirements this proposed rule would implement, nor is FAA aware of any at this time”.

We strongly agree with the FAA and commend its conclusion in this regard. Opponents of this proposal have long lodged empty complaints of impacts on international agreements in the hope of derailing efforts to conduct random drug and alcohol testing and foreign providers, while failing provide convincing evidence of any such conflicts. There has been no evidence presented which demonstrates that our international obligations are inherently in conflict with this proposal, and FAA should not permit these concerns to impact its rulemaking.

Part 121 Directly Employed

FAA states that “in addition, the FAA is considering how best to deter drug and alcohol misuse for any aircraft mechanic working on a part 121 aircraft regardless of how that mechanic is employed. Therefore, the FAA seeks comments as to whether the testing requirements in this proposed rule should be extended to foreign aircraft mechanics working directly for part 121 carriers”.

While we understand that the coverage of the rule for foreign aircraft mechanics working directly for part 121 carriers is not Congressionally directed, we encourage the FAA to adopt the testing requirement for these mechanics. From the Teamsters perspective, we note that in June of 2023, United Airlines, whose technicians we represent, opened its first foreign maintenance hangar at Rio de Janeiro International Airport in Brazil, where it directly employs mechanics. In part, the facility has absorbed maintenance work previously being performed by part 145 contract facilities in China. It is our understanding that other part 121 carriers have or are considering similar operations.

Given that the rule intends to eliminate an aviation maintenance ecosystem in which the ability to uphold single level of safety is predicated on the geographic location of the maintenance facility, it holds logically that all aircraft mechanics working on part 121 aircraft should be captured by this rulemaking. In the event that FAA does not adopt this requirement, the rule may create a perverse incentive to simply move maintenance from a contracted part 145 facility to an in-house facility where the airline can evade the regulatory costs associated with compliance.

Alternatives

The FAA proposes two alternatives to the NPRM. First, maintaining status quo, and second that the FAA would work through the International Civil Aviation Organization to create an international standard for drug and alcohol testing of maintenance personnel at repair stations. The FAA correctly identifies that both alternatives violate the Congressional mandate. The Teamsters concur, and strongly oppose both alternative proposals.

Conclusion

The Teamsters applaud the FAA, DOT, and the Biden Administration in the strongest terms for the publication of this long overdue and historic rulemaking. Encompassing the recommended changes discussed above, we urge the FAA to move expeditiously to promulgate a final rule which will promote a single level of safety in aviation maintenance and remove incentives to outsource maintenance rooted in the cost savings of regulatory avoidance. We look forward to working with the FAA on implementation, and on other matters impacting Teamsters Airline Division members.

Facebook|YouTube|Instagram

Ratification Update

Brothers and Sisters,

Below is the notice of referendum on the TA. 

MEMORANDUM

TO: Local Unions 19, 25, 104, 210, 455, 769, 781, 856, 964, and 986

FROM: Robert Fisher, Interim Director

Teamsters Airline Division 

DATE: March 27, 2024

RE: United Airlines Technicians and Related Tentative Agreement

Instructions on how to vote electronically, including Voting Credentials, on the above-referenced Tentative Agreement will be mailed to members today, Wednesday, March 27, 2024.  

 Please post the attached “Notice of Referendum” at the Local Union Hall, on all worksite bulletin boards, and any other appropriate places.

BallotPoint Election Services has been contracted to administer this election.

NEW or REPLACEMENT VOTING CREDENTIAL:

Beginning 11:00 A.M. (Eastern Time) on Monday, April 8, 2024, BallotPoint will open the “United Airlines Technicians and Related Re-Credentialing System” for the Locals to request new or re-credential voting credentials and instructions for individual members.  The Local will handle any requests from members, confirm that the individual is an eligible voter, and credential them using the “United Airlines Re-credentialing System”.  

Requests for new or replacement voting credentials and instructions will be accepted using the web platform through Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

To be counted, members must vote by 11:00 A.M. (Eastern Time) on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.  Electronic ballots will be tallied by BallotPoint on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. (Eastern Time).

Facebook|YouTube|Instagram

---

Teamsters 856/986 SFO Members:

If you do not receive your voting credentials by Monday, April 8, 8 a.m., Pacific Time, please contact the following:

Local 856 Members -- (Last Name A-LED)
Contact Marta Pacheco at 650 266 7704 or MPacheco@ibt856.org

Local 986 Members -- (Last Name LEE-Z)
Contact Adriana Sanchez at adriana@teamsters986.org

Negotiation Update

January 30th 2024

Brothers and Sisters,

The company invited Joe Ferreira, Bob Fisher, Angel Cantu, and I to a meeting in Houston on Wednesday the 24th. At that meeting, the company informed us that they were interested in another extension. We told them the rank-and-file committee would evaluate any offer they might propose. We also relayed that Southwest was the industry leader for wages, and we would need to beat them in any extension offer.

Job protection and progression compression were discussed as well. Both sides determined to discuss further with the full committees in the near future.

Nothing was agreed to in this meeting. Look for further updates to follow shortly as we secure dates.

In solidarity,

Vinny Graziano

Facebook|YouTube|Instagram

Mechanics Dispatch: United's Transition to Smart-Choice

January 11, 2024

Brothers and Sisters,

The IBT Benefits Committee would like to make sure you are aware of the changes United is making to your HRA/VEBA reimbursement debit card. United announced the transition from Alight’s Your Spending Account (YSA) to their Smart-Choice account toward the end of last year via company email. The final email announcement was made on December 12, 2023, and it contains a link to the Smart-Choice website. If you cannot find the email, please refer to this link: https://learn.smartchoiceaccounts.net/UNITED_FSA_HRA?elqTrackId=b10199979c3840e9ad8e4998bf2c62cc&elq=025b49b329b642b49203bdd177098b69&elqaid=1432&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=3837&elqcst=272&elqcsid=2232or via Flying Together > Employee Services > Health & Insurance (YBR). This will provide you with information along with FAQ’s about the new accounts.

Also, according to the company email, the timelines for the transition are as follows:

December 22, 2023 - Last date to use your current United YSA debit card for purchases. After this date please securely dispose of your current United YSA debit card, as it will be deactivated.

December 31, 2023 - Last date to submit claims toward your 2023 balance until after the transition period.

January 1, 2024 - New website and Smart-Choice mobile app available. If applicable, your 2024 coverage and balances begin to become available on the new website, mobile app, and Smart-Choice debit card.

January 1st – January 18th - Transition period for your 2023 IBT balance. You will not have access to your 2023 balance during this time.

January 19, 2024 - Transition period ends. Your 2023 IBT coverage and balances are available on the new website, mobile app, and Smart-Choice debit card. Claims received after December 31, 2023, will be processed against your 2023 balance.

Please refer to the Smart-Choice website for further details. If you have questions or concerns, please submit a Help Hub request via Flying Together > Employee Services > Tools and Resources > Help Hub.

Fraternally,

Mike Moats

IBT Benefits Committee Chairman

Facebook|YouTube|Instagram