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:
The Benefits Committee convened at Teamsters Local 856 on September 20th and 21st to discuss proposals related to Article 16.
During these two-day meetings, several crucial discussions took place regarding potential changes and enhancements to Article 16. The committee worked diligently to ensure that any proposed changes align with the best interests of our members.
The new interest rates for the Continental Retirement Plan (CARP) are now available on Your Benefits Resources (YBR). Anyone who runs an estimate with a benefit commencement date of 7/1/2023 - 12/1/2023 will have the new rates applied.
The interest rates for lump sums payable from 7/1/2023 to 12/31/2023 are 4.99%, 5.12% and 4.96%. These are based on the IRS published three “segmented” interest rates each month. United is using the February rates published in mid-March 2023.
As required by LOA #29 the reset calculation is now complete. While the number is far below what we were hoping for, the math is plain. We will receive a 2.6% increase over the basic rate starting December 4th. According to our economic team, the lack of profit sharing at AA and DL along with the bond yields affecting pension costs, led to the lower-than-expected result.
Below is the calculation used by the parties;
The committee met at Local 769 in Miami last week to continue the review of language to be proposed when we meet with the company in December.
We started on Tuesday morning reviewing Article 7 Hours of Service. We completed the review of 7 and voted on the suggested changes. We looked at Article 3 again and made suggested changes. In addition, we determined that any changes may impact Article 2 Definitions. Usually, Article 2 Definitions remain open until the end of bargaining. Changing language during this process may require a modified or new definition to be added to the Article 2.
This week I, along with Director Joe Ferreira and Reps Dave Saucedo, Angel Cantu and Bob Fisher met with Labor Relations Representatives to review the grievance docket. Grievances are reviewed between the parties locally on an ongoing basis, but summits happen when the docket starts to build beyond normal. There are currently about 130 language cases on the docket throughout the entire system. Over the course of two days, we were able to review close to half of the open cases. Several grievances were settled, and some were withdrawn. In addition, there were a few grievances where the language was not clear, and those issues will be held in abeyance to be addressed in negotiations.
In complying with the recent arbitration decision, the apprenticeship program outlined in Article 23 will be implemented by the carrier soon. The program language and the associated FAQs were reviewed by the negotiating committee and Business Agents in Las Vegas. The group made suggested changes and the company accepted those changes. As a result, the program and FAQs are finalized and are currently being distributed. As you will see, those entering the program will be placed in accordance with the provisions of the current CBA. Protections for the current membership are now in place to ensure the apprentice group will not be counted towards the required head count for any reason, will not be used for technician overtime and if a furlough occurs, those in the program will be released first. We will continue to monitor as the program develops to determine what changes will be needed to ensure everyone is protected.
This week the committee started reviewing and making suggested changes to Article 5 Vacancies, Article 6 RIF and Recall, Article 19 Grievance Procedure and Article 20 Arbitration.
The Committee discussed Article 6 and given that the membership just went through a furlough, there was much discussion on what worked, and more importantly, what didn’t work.
Last week, the members of your rank-and-file negotiating committee met in Washington, DC to attend negotiation training sponsored by the Airline Division. The committee was presented an overview of the RLA, including both the steps outlined in the Act, and their roles and responsibilities under the Act. This was followed by practical suggestions on achieving solid agreements. Stephanie Spanja, IBT Staff Attorney assigned to the Division, along with Greg Unterseher, Manager of Pilot Representation, led the training session. All members were present except for Scott Stoddart who was excused.
As you are aware, the Arbitrator overseeing the Airbus outsourcing case ordered the parties to try and reach a settlement. Unfortunately, we remained too far apart to settle this case. Since the Arbitrator retained jurisdiction over the case, today we are announcing that she made an award which ends the grievance process.
I’m pleased to report that the company reached out to us to inform us that they agreed with our request to move new hires up the scale in two cities. The Union continues to advocate raising the rates up for all newly hired technicians across the system. However, at this point the carrier has agreed to move all AMT members in SFO and SEA, currently in steps one and two, to step three on the schedule A rate table.
I’m pleased to report that today we settled the upcoming arbitration over when the time and three quarters, commonly referred to as 1.75, begins and ends. The settlement captures what we bargained, which is pay begins one hour before a trip starts to gather necessary tooling and stops one hour after a trip ends domestically for paperwork.
Representatives from the Airline Division along with representatives from Local 769 met with members in MCO for two days last week. Craft meetings were held on August 2nd and floor visits occurred on August 3rd. In attendance for the Local were President Josh Zivalich, Secretary Treasurer Roly Piña and Business Agent Tommy Esposito. In attendance for the Division were Director Joe Ferreira, me, Chris Moore, Bob Fisher, and Mike Moats.
Yesterday Principal Officers met with the Airline Division to determine the structure of negotiations moving forward. The one question survey showed an interest in opening the entire Agreement rather than focusing on limited issues. With that in mind, and after much discussion, it was determined that there will be nine rank and file negotiators for the upcoming round of bargaining. Seven of the nine will come from the larger cities with one representative for the ground equipment/facilities group and one representative from the smaller line stations. In addition, subject matter experts will join the committee as needed to provide guidance on their respective needs. The Principal Officers also decided that one Business Agent from each Local would be welcome to attend. Professionals that will be attending such as lawyers, economists and actuaries were also discussed and will be provided to the committee for use on your behalf.
Questions have begun to arise regarding the upcoming reset slated to go into effect on December 5th of this year. The questions are centered around when the measurement period begins specifically in regard to the Definitions provision 1.d. According to the provision the first measurement period began six months prior to December of 2018. All subsequent measurements must be completed prior to December 5th of the appropriate year in order that any increases can be processed in a timely manner to ensure compliance with the LOA.
