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:
This is a reminder to complete the survey regarding the direction your Rank and File Negotiating Committee will take on your behalf.
The link for the survey is, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8XMPH2W
Last week representatives from the Airline Division met with representatives and members at the SFO Base. This a first opportunity for our new Director Joe Ferreira and Deputy Director Greg Unterseher to meet with United Airlines Technicians and Related in their new roles. Also, in attendance besides myself, were Mike Moats Division Representative in charge of Benefits at UA, Eastern Region Rep Bob Fisher, Central Region Rep Chris Moore, and staff Attorney Stephanie Spanja. On Tuesday the 10th we first met with the Business Agents, the Grievance Committee, as well as Safety and TMAP Reps, before heading out to the Base to talk with stewards and members assigned to swing shift. On the 11th we met with stewards and members assigned to both the midnight and day shifts.
By now you’ve all seen the news that Delta Tech Ops employees are receiving 4% raises in May along with increases to premiums and a reduction in the length of time to reach the top of the scale.
This is good news for a several reasons, including that the announced increase will help during bargaining for the amended CBA and the increases will be captured as part of the formula of the reset language in December. Also, it will help to address the Technician shortage that is unfolding along similar lines industry wide, to what transpired with the Pilots just a few years ago.
The bargaining survey and contract proposal forms are live now. It is especially important that a high percentage of members complete the survey. The higher the percentage that takes the time to complete this survey does two things. First it helps your rank-and-file committee better determine your priorities and second an overwhelming response shows the company, as a group, we are ready to enter bargaining solidly together.
As a reminder the industry reset took place last year providing a 7.2% increase. The next reset analysis will take place in December of 2022 and a reset analysis will occur annually thereafter. New rates were provided last year which became effective December 6, 2020. Per paragraph 2 of the LOA, since the basic hourly rates/scales from the one-time adjustment exceed the basic hourly rates in Appendix A planned for December 5, 2021, these adjusted scales supersede.
Please click on the link below to read the letter to UAL management regarding N95 mask usage.
https://teamsterair.org/sites/default/files/uploads/letter_re_n95_respirator_requirements.pdf
Due to the charge levied against it by the IBT, United Airlines is reviewing the fairness of the RAP process. If you've been accepted into the RAP, you will now have until October 15th until personal leaves begin. In addition, we are hopeful that the time on leave will be drastically reduced or eliminated, and that you will be able to retire from a RAP without penalty. As this develops further, including any outcome on several different lawsuits, we will update you.
As reported late last week, yesterday evening we filed charges with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on behalf of the membership that applied for religious or medical exemptions to the mandatory vaccination policy. You can read the charges here.
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.
