Airline Division Week in Review — Labor Day 2018

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.

Mechanics Dispatch — August 20, 2018

Mechanics Update

August 20, 2018

Dear Members,

Several of you from around the system have asked me about the seniority grievance that was just recently arbitrated which would restore company seniority for those S-CAL and S-CMI members who had adjustments made in accordance with their respective agreements for periods of inactive service. 

The Arbitrator has ruled in favor of the Carrier and had denied the grievance, but did add the following recommendation: 

“Despite the Boards recognition that is does not have the jurisdiction under the agreement to restore prior adjustments made to Company seniority at s-Continental and s-Micronesia, we recommend that the parties discuss the restoration of seniority solely for the purpose of vacation bidding”

To be clear, this recommendation, if acted on, would not restore or add any vacation time to any person’s bank. This would merely reorganize the order that members at different stations across the system could bid vacation time. 

The union’s main concern was the overall impact to the membership at large and how that impact could affect bidding. After a thorough analysis the union learned that 7,621 members would be directly affected if this recommendation were to be implemented.  Out of the 9,488 members in total 7,107 members are worse off for vacation bidding purposes then they are today.

After several discussions between the parties, the Carrier has made it clear that they do not intend to act on the arbitrator’s recommendations to its negative implications.

The division, along with the Business agents have come to the realization that attempting to pursue this matter flies in the face of every effort we have made to keep the historic order at each property entered into this merger. Not only does it negatively impact more then two thirds of the membership it will have negative implications to relative seniority as it pertains to vacation as well. Therefore, due to the overwhelming negative impact this would cause to our membership at large, the union has made the decision NOT to pursue this matter further.   

For any further questions please feel free to reach out to your respective Business agents.

In Solidarity,

Vinny Graziano

Airline Division Week in Review — August 17, 2018

Southern Air pilots ratify Tentative Agreement

Pilots who fly for Southern Air, a subsidiary of Atlas Worldwide Holdings have ratified a Tentative Agreement that brings their contract on par with those of pilots at AAWW-owned Atlas Air. Pilots at both airlines are represented by their union, the Airline Pilots Association, Teamsters Local 1224.

The LOA provides some temporary relief for the pilots who were forced to negotiate their contract with Southern Air during bankruptcy. As a result, Southern Air--which flies exclusively for DHL--has been unable to attract and retain pilots.

The voting period for the Southern Air LOA closed on Thursday, August 9th. Nearly 94% of their membership voted, with 181 (94.76% voting in favor and 10 opposing the agreement.

Teamsters win industry leading agreement for UPS Mechanics

After four years of bargaining, over one thousand three hundred UPS aircraft mechanics and related employees represented by Teamsters Local Union No. 2727 have secured significant raises in pay, improved retirement security and the protection of health care benefits in a new tentative contract agreement reached with the shipping company.

The tentative agreement, which will be voted on in the coming weeks by the Union’s membership, sets a new bar for aircraft mechanics in the U.S. airline industry, with pay rates and benefits that surpass those at FedEx and all other major U.S.-based carriers. Upon ratification of the new contract, Local 2727 members will become the highest paid aviation mechanics in the country by a wide margin.

“It’s because of the tremendous resolve and unity of our members and their families that we’re celebrating this historic agreement with UPS,” said Tim Boyle, President of Louisville-based Teamsters Local 2727. “We knew if we stuck together and stayed committed to protecting the pay and benefits we’ve earned over decades of hard work, we’d do what many thought was impossible and win big for our families, the future of our company and our customers. This contract does just that along with raising standards throughout the aviation industry.”

Highlights of the new tentative agreement include:

• Dramatic increases in pay for all mechanics and related employees, including an immediate 16 percent pay increase
• Three percent raises each year, resulting in a 30.7% increase in pay from current rates by the end of the contract
• Full retroactive pay for all hours worked from November 1, 2013 (the day the current contract first became amendable) to the date of ratification
• Protection of an unparalleled health care package with no premiums
• An increase in UPS’s pension contribution   

“I want to extend my congratulations to the Teamsters Local 2727 negotiating committee. This agreement is the culmination of over four years of long hours, hard work and dedication from them. Their focus on improving the existing agreement and quality of life for our UPS members is what now enable us to bring this industry-leading contract to the membership for their review and decision,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division.

 “UPS aircraft mechanics went for years without a raise and we’ve worried long enough about the future of our medical care,” said aircraft mechanic Jack Chatburn who was on the bargaining committee. “We are eager to share the details of this top-notch agreement with our members and our families who will now have the top-notch pay and health benefits we’ve been fighting for. We believe the contract will be ratified swiftly.”

The full details of the tentative agreement will first be disclosed to and discussed with Teamsters Local 2727 members. Members will vote whether to ratify the agreement in a secret ballot referendum that will be conducted in September.

Members of Local 986 and Local 959 Gain Wage Increases, Benefit Improvements

Teamster pilots with Aloha Air Cargo (AAC) and Northern Air Cargo (NAC) voted overwhelmingly today to ratify an agreement providing for wage increases, benefit improvements and increased job protections. The 104 pilots are members of Teamsters Local 986 in South El Monte, Calif., and Local 959 in Anchorage, Alaska.

The pilots are based in Anchorage, Honolulu, and Miami, and operate Boeing 737 and 767 aircraft.

Negotiations for separate agreements at AAC and NAC were already in progress in 2017 when the carriers announced a merger of the pilot groups. After months of hard work and dedication by the rank-and-file members, negotiating committee members and union leaders, a tentative agreement with the company was reached in June 2018. Upon ratification of the agreement today, the AAC and NAC pilots became one pilot group under a single seniority list.

“Under this agreement, the pilots will be better compensated and enjoy a higher standard of living and protections on the job,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “Thanks go out to the pilot negotiating committee, as well as our international representatives and local business agents. In addition, the support from Secretary-Treasurer Rick Boyles of Local 959 and Chris Griswold of Local 986 has been invaluable.”

Airline Division Week in Review — July 18, 2018

Joint Agreement reached between Aloha, NAC pilots and management

Following an Agreement in Principle (AIP) that was achieved on May 3, 2018, representatives of both pilot groups have notified their memberships of a Tentative Agreement that was reached with management.

In a message to the membership of both carriers dated July 6th, the Negotiating Committees of both carriers said, “Roadshow Meetings were held with the Pilots from both Domiciles over the previous two weeks to explain the terms and details of the Joint Agreement. During these meetings, you had the opportunity to participate in a thorough presentation and group discussions with your negotiators, along with representatives from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Locals 959 and 986, and other individuals who played a part in assisting us in achieving the improvements that are found in this TA.

After the ratification of this TA, the AAC and NAC pilots will become one Pilot group under a single Seniority List. Your Joint Negotiating Committee believes that our pilots should be well compensated and enjoy a high standard of living and continued job security. Our commitment to these principles is found in every Section of this new TA.” The ratification process is being conducted by an outside company selected by the IBT. The ratification voting period will continue until July 24, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. EDT. At the close of the voting period, the ballots will be counted and the results will be announced.

Atlas Air Management proposes full parity for Southern Air pilots

During discussions in Washington, Atlas Air offered a proposal to bring the crewmembers of Southern Air Cargo, which was purchased by Atlas Air Worldwide; to full contract parity with the crewmembers of Atlas Air. In a message to the membership released by the ExCo and Negotiating Committee said, “As you may know, yesterday members of your Southern Air Pilots EXCO, Atlas Air Pilots EXCO, Local 1224 President Dan Wells, Vice President Cameron Graff along with Airline Division Director David Bourne met with company officials in Washington, D.C. to conduct contract parity negotiations.  We can report that we believe we have reached an agreement in principal with the company on an LOA that would bring our counterparts at Southern to parity with Atlas Air pilots, while we continue contract negotiations. The document is detailed and complicated and will require a full review by our representatives and legal team before we can officially confirm we have reached a TA.”

The proposal is currently under review by both the committees and Local 1224 legal staff and will then be put into a final draft form to be presented to the Southern pilot group for a ratification vote. No date has yet been set for a ratification vote as there must first be road shows scheduled to present the document and answer any questions from the membership. Once these dates are finalized, the will be published to the members and in The Week in Review.

Teamsters Decry Supreme Court ruling that rolls back rights of union members

This week, in a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with anti-union advocates attempting to undercut the rights of millions of public employees to negotiate with their employers for a fair return on the value of their work. By backing the plaintiffs in “Janus v. AFSCME,” the high court’s decision is an attempt to limit the collective voices of not only government workers, but those in the private sector as well. 

In a press release issued Wednesday after the ruling; General President Jim Hoffa said, “The Supreme Court’s ruling is at a time when so many Americans are struggling just to make ends meet. The Teamsters and our allies in the labor movement will redouble our efforts to ensure that working men and women have a voice on the job through strong unions.” 

The median salary for working people represented by labor unions is $11,000 a year more than non-union people who have no right to negotiate. 

“By overturning 40 years of judicial precedent, conservative judges endorsed an agenda supported by corporations and the wealthiest in our society to take away the right of public employees to negotiate over wages, benefits and working conditions,” said Michael Filler, Director of the Teamsters’ Public Services Division.

Horizon Pilots Lawsuit against Alaska Air Group dismissed, sent to SBA

The lawsuit filed by Horizon pilots over the company’s violation of the Fleet Commitment Letter; which gave Horizon pilots the exclusive rights to the flying of the new E175 jet fleet, was challenged in court by management, seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed. On July 6th the court ruled in favor of management by dismissing the lawsuit over venue. In a message to the membership, the ExCo said,

“On July 6, 2018, the Honorable Judge Pechman dismissed our lawsuit from federal court. She rejected our position that when Horizon and AAG (Alaska Airlines’ parent company) diverted the five E175’s to SkyWest last fall, they clearly violated our Fleet Commitment Letter of Agreement and thus attempted to change that Letter Agreement without negotiating with us, as the Railway Labor Act (“RLA”) requires. 

Instead, she agreed with the company, finding that it presented a plausible interpretation of the Fleet Commitment Letter that arguably justified its diversion decision. In reaching this decision, she did not decide who had the better argument, the company or us. Instead, she decided that the question did not belong in federal court because an arbitrator—or a System Board of Adjustment in RLA parlance—had to make that decision. We respectfully think Judge Pechman’s decision is deeply mistaken.”

Allegiant Strike Authorization Vote Totals Announced

The voting period for the Strike Authorization Vote for Allegiant Air crew members closed n July 6th.  Following are the results of the membership vote:

YES: 701 (93.5% of the voting members)

NO:  49

Total Ballots:  750

Total Electorate: 877

Percentage Voted: 85.52% 

The Strike Authorization Vote passed a membership vote by an overwhelming margin.  This vote authorizes the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to call a strike against Allegiant Air in the event it becomes necessary.  

UAL QC Inspector Spells Stress Relief “Point it and Punch it”

Everyone has their own way of unwinding after a long shift. If you’re Brother Dan Stunda, a United Airlines Quality Control Inspector in Houston, you head into the garage.

Along with son Dane, they are on the road again participation in the “Hot Rod Power Tour” sponsored by Hot Rod magazine and Chevrolet with many vendors and sponsors. Their seventh and sixth consecutive tours respectively, they are part of a the largest roving car show in the world; hitting seven cities in seven days, racing in each city before heading to the next. Of the 6,000 applicants, 3000 are selected for the tour. The “Longhaul Gang,” begins each new series where they left off the year before.

Now in its 25th year, this year’s race began in Bowling Green, Kentucky and went to Chattanooga, TN, Birmingham AL, Atlanta GA, Darlington SC, and Raleigh, NC and ended in Charlotte NC.

As Dan said, “some guys go hunting and fishing- “Lil guy and I run badass rides through the country leaving tire rubber patches, all fun. And we’re already building next year’s rides for 25th anniversary Power Tour 2019 run.

My son Dane and I do Hot Rod Power Tour every year and this was our 7th, 6th consecutive. Hot Rod Power Tour. 7 days 7 cities largest roving car show in world thru the backwoods of the America. Over 6000 entries and upwards of 3000 that do whole tour. The "Longhaul Gang" starts from the city it stops at from prior year.

I try and do different ride every year, said Dan. In 2014 -15 my 15 year old son wanted to build his first ride. We bought 1997 Chevy S-10 in pieces and repowered swap/4l60 with rear under bed turbo along with a complete overhaul and paint job. We completed it three days prior to the start of the tour. Left for the Wisconsin Dells with my sons driving permit was six days old. He drove 80% tour with me as his right seat nav man, ending up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that year, an over 3800 mile round trip.”

When asked what it was like on the tour, he said “It's a total blast running the countryside with six thousand other gearheads with bad ass street rods. Gas fumes, oil and tire smoke. If you do it will change your life.” 

We couldn’t agree more.

Brother Dan Stunda and son Dane.

Running a 12.32 ET and 118 at Beech Bend Raceway

Airline Industry News

Airlines, Industry and Labor

Pilots hired by regional carrier GoJet are guaranteed an interview with air freight company Atlas Air after one or two years of employment. "We are delighted to begin this special relationship with GoJet," said Atlas Air president and chief operating officer John Dietrich. 

The age of the freighter is clearly not over– although the 777 is the new aircraft of choice. Orders pledged at the Farnborough Air Show are starting to trickle in.

One of the most recurring questions at Loadstar Towers in recent weeks has been whether a takeover of Atlas Air by Amazon could be on the cards.

The decision by UPS in February to turn 14 options on B747-8 freighters into firm orders was hailed as a lifeline for the iconic type – but it may be the last hurrah for the jumbo.

Mechanics Dispatch — July 15, 2018

GSE “GQ”/FAC “PV” Review Committee Update

July 15, 2018

Dear GSE/FAC Brothers and Sisters,

Your review committee met with the company in Chicago on May 31, 2018 to discuss issues concerning both GQ/PV departments. Discussions began with how Core Four would be implemented and how this philosophy would better serve the company as well as creating a working environment for employees that constitutes the basic core four principals.

Following the Core Four discussion we begin speaking about “ARC prevention” uniforms.  Cintas is the current vendor and will be furnishing these types of uniforms to stations that require the use for special clothing. Now; the use of such a uniform is extremely uncomfortable and hot, but these types of uniforms must be available when needed and must be worn when needed. Remember ARC flashing is extremely serious and can result in injury or even death.

Throughout the year, department heads will be making station visits meeting with employees and local committees regarding your concerns relating to your respective areas. Please do your due diligence, along with your union steward by explaining your concerns regarding how to improve your departments safety standards, tooling, training etc. Improvement begins with all of us getting involved collectively and expressing how best to improve.

Conversations continued regarding how best the iPad could be used in departments such as ours. Ideas were discussed and the company is committed to reviewing the potential benefits and efficiencies that using this technology can bring. The more tools we have at our disposal the more efficient and safer we become.

Bid areas 108 (Welders) and 109 (Machinist) were discussed with the company in length and fully explained that these two bid areas are independent from one another and must remain separate in accordance with all outlining provisions that are in the agreement. There will be no special considerations for the intermixing of these two bid areas.

As some of you might be aware, there is a new facility being built in Orlando that will be staffed for five (5) GQ Techs, three (3) PV Techs and one (1) Lead Technician. Postings for these positions will commence on or around July of this year. Updates will be furnished once more information is obtained regarding the new facility.

Currently at the Houston base the vendor, JBT is maintaining the baggage system. A request for proposal (RFP) has been maybe, along with staffing models as well as a complete cost analysis. We are hopeful that this analysis can show that it can be cost effective if we do this type of work or part of it in-house. In addition to this, jet bridge maintenance is also being explored which may allow for more flexibility in manpower. We will continue to focus on bringing as much work in-house as long as it shows its cost effectiveness.

On the west coast, United will be vacating the west hanger in Los Angeles and American will be taking it over in the near future. Plans for a new United hanger look promising and will be maintained by those on the Techs Ops seniority list. 

In Newark, there is currently an outside vendor who maintains all the hangers as well as the back shop facilities. We will continue to further examine if this work is economically feasible to have union members maintaining these facilities and how best to bring this work in-house if not all then in part. 

There has been concern regarding who will maintain the new terminal at LaGuardia airport and how this may affect current manpower. Currently, discussions regarding the scope of work an who will be maintaining this terminal are on-going. Once further details emerge and we get a better understanding on the Port Authority plans then will we update accordingly. 

Chicago has a new GSE shop and construction is progressing with the anticipation that September will be the tentative move date, but once there is confirmation of when the shop will be ready an update will follow. In addition, there also is a new aircraft MX hanger and facility shop being built and there currently is no confirmed date as when these two facilities will open. 

In regards to trade testing; both parties have been in discussion and the trade testing curriculum has been reviewed in part and will be presented to all the Business Agents throughout the system at the next meeting. 

Facilities testing still remain an issue of how what type of practical test will be agreed upon and how fairly that test will be administered to all those that wish to bid into Facilities MX. Once that is completed the Business Agents will review and determine the best way to proceed. 

Concerns have risen regarding how our Utility Specialists are trained. The company stated that each station has different needs and training revolves around what those at that particular station may be as outlined and not to exceed that which is listed in the collective bargaining agreement.  

One area of training that was agreed upon was that of tires. Utility Specialists for GSE will be sent to a two day course regarding tires. We asked that once this course is completed that the DST or Lead work with the Utility Specialist on the different types of tires and wheels we use in order to assure all safety standards and safety precautions are adhered too. Additional work for the Utility Specialist still remains a topic for future discussion and will continue to be reviewed.

Fraternally,

Ken Meidinger
Committee Chair

GSE/FAC committee members:
Scott Baroni, Angel Cantu, Allen Cosides, Dion Cornelius, Greg Sullivan

Summer 2018 Business Agents' Report

Puerto Rico Hurricane Maria Raffle

TeamstersSFO is raffling off a Vizio 50-inch flat screen at the August Dayshift Craft Meeting. Proceeds of the raffle will benefit Brother Victor Oyola. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20. Please see your Shop Steward or your Chief Steward to purchase. The holder of the winning ticket need not be present at the drawing to win.

2018 986/856 Scholarship Recipients

We would like to send out congratulations to the winners of the 986/856 Scholarship awards for 2018. They are as follows:

Sarina Silva, Daughter of Technician Melvin Silva

Tobias Frager, Son of Lead Technician Benjamin Frager

Congratulations to these well-deserving students and their proud parents!

2018 National Safety Council Spring Labor Division Meeting

Paul Dodge, Mike Valladares and Ralph Ortiz attended the National Safety Council (NSC) Spring Labor Division from May 20th to 23rd in Rosemount, IL. The Labor Division is comprised of labor unions that meet and discuss safety issues in various industries. The Labor Division is over 200 members strong. The purpose of the Labor Division is to be the conduit for safety-focused information sharing and idea exchange with other Unions and its members and to discuss safety issues with other safety professionals who share the same job responsibilities, have experienced the same challenges and can share their thoughts and ideas to help Unions and its representatives develop solutions.

The four days included various committee meetings, education sessions, networking and Union caucuses. On the Transportation committee, chaired by Ralph Ortiz, Safety & Health issues discussed included fall hazard from ladders during engine oil service on wide body aircraft, lack of fall protection due to gaps between power belt loaders and cargo pit, lightning detection systems used at various Airports and the differences found between the system, potential for radiation exposure due to Wi-Fi systems installed on Aircraft, OSHA investigations being conducted at various Air Carriers including a study on the hazards of loading and offloading of motorized wheel chairs and scooters from Aircrafts.

At the IBT Caucus, we meet with Teamsters representatives from Local 1150 (Sikorsky) Local 2727 (UPS mechanics) and Local 455 (DEN - UA) to discuss ongoing safety and health issues and challenges each representative is dealing with.

Educational sessions presented at the Labor Division meeting included:

◊     Silica dust awareness and new requirements under OSHA’s updated Silica regulations

◊     The Dirty Dozen-Human Factors

◊     What are Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and how to conduct them

◊     Fatigue at work

◊     Working with OSHA to improve workplace Safety & Health

◊     Workers and Management working to change safety culture

◊     Opioid epidemic

The CEO and President of the National Safety Council, Deborah Hersman provided updates on the NSC vision 2020 and spoke on the NSC 3-part report “The Road to Zero” which outlines the plan to eliminate all traffic deaths in the United States by the year 2050.

At the conclusion of the four days, the Labor Division Closing Sessions was held which included a report by the Chairman of the Labor Division and reports from each of the Labor Liaisons.

Teamster Representatives at the NSC Labor Division meeting:
Back Row: Paul Dodge - SFO Local 856/986, Bob Waxman - Local 1150, Joe Grabinski - Local 1150, Vic Austin - Local 455
Front Row: Mike Valladares - SFO Local 865/986, Ralph Ortiz - SFO Local 856/986, Mike Faschingbauer - Local 2727, Rich Travis - Local 2727

IBT UAL Benefits Committee completes Benefits Guide

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters UAL Benefits Committee has created a Benefits Guide to assist you in understanding your negotiated benefits and to provide you with a quick-reference, user-friendly, document. Benefits have become more complex and are an important part of your total compensation. Employee benefits, negotiated for you by your Union, are part of your total compensation package. These benefits include retirement, medical, dental, long-term disability, sick leave, retiree health account, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and survivor benefits. It is important for you to have a clear understanding of all the benefits to which you are entitled.

A copy of this Benefits Guide can be found on the TeamstersSFO website under the Member Resource tab.

Shift Bid Preference Forms

The SFO Committee would like to remind you all of the importance of always filling out an absentee Shift Bid Preference Form. These forms should be filled out even if you intend to call in or show up in person for your shift bid appointment. They will only be used if you are not present and do not call in at your assigned appointment time. If you do not fill out the form and are not able to make your appointment for any reason, you run the risk of being assigned a much less desirable shift and work area than your seniority might otherwise entitle you. Once that happens, there is little anyone can do to unwind that reality. Again, please make it a habit to ALWAYS fill out the form so you do not end up on the wrong end of this situation. 

When to Fill Out a Withdrawal Form

It is important to always fill out a withdrawal form from your local union If you are going to retire, are transferring to another station, or you are going out on Extended Illness leave.

If you ever end up getting another Teamster job after you retire, you can save yourself and the union any confusion regarding initiation fees or back dues if you filled out a withdrawal before you retired.

Likewise, if you are transferring to another station, the transition can be much smoother regarding dues if you fill out a withdrawal form. This can save you from having to deal with any mistakes on your check once you start getting paid at the new location.

Lastly, we always recommend filling out a withdrawal when you are going on leave for an extended illness. That way, when you come back, there you can be sure there are no mistakes on your paycheck as well.

All of these types of mistakes can and will be corrected if they happen, but it is better for all and it definitely saves time and effort if you filled out a withdrawal form in the first place. See your Shop Steward or stop by the Union Office for the form.

Returning to Work after an Illness

We have lately been receiving some troubling accounts of the Return-to-Work process from some of our members, so we decided to visit this topic so that you know your rights in different situations. The first Return-to-Work situation we will discuss is as follows:

If you are returning to work from a non-critical illness of short or medium duration that is not related to a protected leave such as FMLA, not due to an Occupational Injury, and not from an Extended Illness Leave, there are a couple of things that you need to know. First and foremost, if you are under a doctor’s care and your doctor is releasing you to come back to work, you must make sure that he or she makes it clear on your note that you are being returned to work at “Full Duty with No Restrictions” if that is the case.

After this type of illness leave, once you bring in a doctor’s note indicating that you are released to Full Duty with No Restrictions, if you are prevented from going to work and told that you need clearance from OPCMD, we want you to immediately contact your Chief Steward. If the Company holds you out of service in this circumstance, you must be paid any time from the minute you bring that note to work until the Company clears you to return to work, no matter how long it takes, at straight time on the Company dime. Under no circumstances is it ok for the company to try and make you use your sick time in this situation if they refuse to clear you to work. Period.

Additionally, if you are required to fill out an Absence Certificate after returning from a non-critical illness of short to medium duration that does not involve an FMLA related illness, occupational injury or extended illness, we also want you to contact your Chief Steward immediately. More to come.

The Reasonable Accommodation Program

If you find yourself involved in the RAP process for any reason, you must also be sure to know your rights. In accordance with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), it is your right to choose who will advocate on your behalf during the ‘interactive process’. The interactive process is simply the period of dialogue that takes place between you and the Company in order to reach an agreement on accommodation. If you choose to have the Union advocate on your behalf, you must make that choice known to the Company and then make sure to contact one of our Member Assistance Coordinators, so they can help guide you through the process. Remember, it is not a given that the Union participate in the process. You must make that choice. Likewise, you can always choose to advocate on your own behalf or choose to have an attorney represent you. Please contact your Member Assistance Coordinator if you would like more information. Again, you should always know your rights.

3rd Step Grievance Process

As many of you already know, once a contract grievance is elevated to the 3rd Step by the Grievance Committee, it is the responsibility of the Business Agents to move it forward. That process will likely initially involve direct engagement with Labor Relations, Human Resources, and Local Management in order to discuss resolution. If no resolution is reached, we will schedule the grievance for a 3rd Step hearing, which is called a System Board of Adjustment (SBA) hearing, per Article 19.D.

At the SBA hearing, the Union will present its case supporting the grievance first and then the Company will present its case against the grievance. The System Board consists of four members, two from the Company and two from the Union. There are generally three possible outcomes for a contract grievance. The first is that the grievance is ‘sustained’. In that case, the Company must enact the appropriate remedy. The grievance can also be ‘denied’, which is rather self-explanatory. In both cases, where the Board sustains or denies the grievance, the ruling of the Board is final and binding. The third outcome is called a ‘deadlock’, whereby the Board cannot reach a majority decision. In that case the Business Agents will consult with counsel to determine whether or not the grievance should be appealed to the 4th Step, which is the Board of Arbitration (Article 20).

Contract grievances that are appealed to arbitration become the responsibility of the Airline Division and will be arbitrated by the IBT staff attorneys, unless outside counsel is hired. The local Business Agents continue to assist throughout the preparation process for these grievances until they are ultimately heard in Chicago on the agreed upon dates. Arbitration hearings are presided over by a neutral arbitrator, with one member from the Company and one member from the Union also sitting on the Arbitration Board. After presentation of the cases by each sides attorney, in the same order as presented at the SBA, the parties adjourn and await the completion of the stenographer’s report. Once the report is completed and delivered to the parties, the attorney for each side will prepare a final brief outlining all of their arguments. Those briefs are then submitted to the arbitrator to be used in rendering a final decision. Once the arbitrator has rendered a decision, that ruling is final and binding on the parties.

Likewise, if any of our members is terminated for any reason, a 3rd Step Grievance is automatically filed on that members behalf. The 3rd Step process for terminations is essentially identical to that which is used for contract cases except the Company presents first. If the System Board deadlocks on a termination, the Business Agents will consult with our local attorney as to whether or not to arbitrate. If the decision is made to arbitrate, our local attorney will handle the arbitration and the hearing will be conducted here at SFO.

Grievance Update

Now that we have familiarized you with the grievance process once a grievance reaches the 3rd Step, we will be adding this grievance update to the Business Agent Report periodically to give you a breakdown of the of current 3rd Step Grievances and where they are in the process. Because the bulk of the Business Agents’ work is related to 3rd Step Grievances and those at the arbitration stage, we feel that it is very important for all of our members to know as much as possible about the current state of these grievances.

We will start with a rundown of the grievance process so far in 2018. A full breakdown of current status of grievances/terminations will follow. There were four termination cases heard at System Board on January 9th and 10th. Of those, the Union was successful in getting two of the individuals returned to work and the Board deadlocked on the other two, which were subsequently appealed to arbitration.

Additionally, there were six contract cases scheduled for System Board on January 16th and 17th. Of those, one was settled by the Company prior to SBA (Outsourcing - Plant Maintenance Work) and five were heard. Of those five, one was sustained (Lead Bypass-Supervisor doing Lead Work), one was denied (MM DST EFS Bypass), two deadlocked (GSE Lead Pay & Meal P-post Date of Ratification) and one was remanded back to the parties for settlement (Lead Bypass - this is very rare but does happen on occasion where the Board sees a path to compromise). The two deadlocks were subsequently appealed to arbitration.

There were also four System Board hearings scheduled for April 11th. Of those, one was withdrawn (Retirement VAC payout - HRS/RHA credit) after the company provided proof it complied with the CBA, one was settled by the Company (Loss of pay during station transfer badging process) and two were heard at SBA. Both of those cases deadlocked and have been appealed to arbitration (PCL closing VAC/DAT columns & 2017 HRA/RHA pro-rate).

There were three hearings scheduled for SBA for July 11th, two terminations and one contract grievance (LX EFS Bypass). One termination hearing has been postponed pending the outcome of current discussions surrounding a resolution. The other two cases will be heard as scheduled.

There are eight cases on the radar for the August 14th and 15th scheduled SBA dates. The Union has engaged the Company in discussions to resolve at least two. If there are no termination cases to be heard, the Union plans on hearing six contract cases. More to follow on those after they are heard at SBA because the schedule is still in flux. The following is a breakdown of current grievances.

We currently have eight grievances at arbitration stage, four terminations and four contract cases. Of the four terminations, we have one scheduled for a second arbitration day on July 31st, one scheduled for August 23rd, one scheduled for November 14th and one awaiting agreement on an arbitrator/date. Of the four contract cases we have at arbitration, we have one scheduled for September 19th (MealP -post DOR) and one tentatively scheduled for October 17th (GSE Lead Pay). The other two were just recently appealed to arbitration and are still awaiting dates (PCL closing VAC/DAT columns & 2017 HRA/RHA pro-rate).

Besides the two terminations at 3rd Step previously discussed, there are a total of nineteen grievances active at 3rd Step, six inactive grievances held in abeyance, and three inactive grievances that are on hold for various reasons.

More information to follow as we move forward in the process for each. Well there you have it. We hope you found this informative.

Labor History for the Summer Months

June 30th, 1928 - Alabama outlaws the leasing of convicts to mine coal, a practice that had been in place since 1848. In 1898, 73 percent of the state’s total revenue came from this source. 25 percent of all African-American leased convicts died.

July 7th, 1998 - A two-day general strike called by a coalition of 60 unions shuts down most of Puerto Rico. More than half a million people participated in the walkout, supporting striking telephone workers and protesting plans to privatize the telephone company. It was the largest work stoppage in the island’s history.

August 22nd, 1945 - Flight attendants working for United Airlines form the Air Line Stewardesses Association, the first labor union representing flight attendants.  They were reacting to an industry in which women were forced to retire at the age of 32, remain single, and adhere to strict weight, height, and appearance requirements.  The union later became the Association of Flight Attendants, and since 2004 has been part of the Communications Workers of America.

We must never forget!

Labor Quote

"The only effective answer to organized greed is organized labor." —Thomas Donahue

Stay Informed

The communication process is an extremely important part of what we do to represent our folks here at SFO and, as we have been outlining for quite some time, we have been blasting out the BA Report along with any other communication we get from the Airline Division or the International to anyone who registers at the TeamstersSFO website. We feel that it is essential for all of our members to be engaged and informed at all times. Therefore, we encourage all of you to spread the word to your fellow technicians to go to the site and click on the ‘email signup’ tab to get on the list.

Additionally, the Chief Stewards hold weekly meetings with the Shop Stewards to pass on any important informational items that may come up during the month. It is crucial to our process that every work area on every shift have Shop Steward representation and that the Shop Steward give, at a minimum, weekly briefings to his/her crew so that all the information gets to our members and members have the opportunity to ask questions.

Most importantly, we urge you to also consider getting more involved. Every month, on the last Thursday, we hold Craft Meetings at Local 856. At these meetings, the membership hears reports from the Business Agents and other members of the SFO Committee on Grievances, Safety, Member Assistance, and the TSAP program. Additionally, all members have an opportunity to ask questions and to bring up topics for discussion. Check your IBT Bulletin Board for dates and times and make it a point to stop by whenever you can.

As always, stay informed!

In Solidarity

Mark DesAngles                    Javier Lectora
Business Agent                     Business Agent
Local 986                                  Local 856

Teamsters Aviation Mechanics Coalition Newsletter

July 2018 | Volume 9, Issue 2

Check out the Summer 2018 edition of the TAMC Newsletter! In this edition, we cover the 2018 Aerospace Maintenance Competition, aircraft damage and situational awareness, the Washington, D.C. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fair, and much more! 

Mechanics Dispatch — June 20, 2018

Mechanics Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

Many of you have inquired about some of our Letters of Agreements and where we currently stand regarding them; in particular Industry Reset (LOA #29), Offered Positions (LOA #21) and the Labor Management Cooperation (LOA #31). 

The reset agreement assures that a measurement of annual wages and benefits of United must remain at least two 2% higher than the average of American and Delta Airlines. The economic model was completed and agreed upon shortly after the ratification of the Agreement. The model is kept on a server at the NMB for security. In addition, the Industry Reset Letter of Agreement states that the parties shall meet to commence the process six months in advance of the "Measurement Date". This meeting has taken place in accordance with the Letter of Agreement, and our economist has been watching the industry since date of ratification in anticipation of the upcoming reset. 

The one unresolved agreement is the Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) for American and USAirways. At this point, it appears unlikely that there will be a ratified agreement prior to the "Measurement Date." Scope; which is a vital part of any agreement, along with pension, remain on the table and are vital for concluding that JCBA.  

However; the other measured airline (Delta) has had improvements in their compensation package, which will most likely trigger the reset by the measurement date, as outlined in the agreement. As we get nearer to the measurement date and we are able to solidify information based on all the metrics outlined in the agreement a dispatch will be distributed explaining how the rest calculation will take place. 

As a result of the amalgamated agreement “Offered Positions;” letters to those on furlough will be going out shortly in accordance with LOA #21. After these letters are sent, furloughed members will have six months to bid on the positions as described in the letter. Those members will retain their rights until they have been either offered and accepted, or declined, a position at their bid city(ies). Positions that are available will be offered to those in furlough status at hub locations of SFO, LAX, ORD, EWR and IAD. 

Work continues on the Bylaws for the Labor Management Cooperation Committee and how best to effectively use this cooperation committee as we move forward. There is no timeline currently for completion of this LOA and as more information becomes available it will be reported in future dispatches.

In Solidarity,

Vinny Graziano 

Airline Division Week in Review — June 9, 2018

Atlas Air, Southern Air and ABX Crew Members to Picket White House 
Atlas Air, Southern Air and ABX pilots; members of APA Local 1224 who are flying for Amazon, DHL and other customers will picket the White House to bring maximum visibility to the fight for a new CBA. Picketing will take place on Monday, June 11th.  

AGENDA – Monday, June 11, 2018
Below is a preliminary schedule of events for the day of picketing:

• 9:00 a.m. — Bus departs from the Hampton Inn & Suites Washington-Dulles International Airport, 22700 Holiday Park Drive, Sterling, Virginia 20166
• 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Picketing on Lafayette Square in front of the White House, Lafayette Square (Pennsylvania Ave NW & 16th Street Northwest), Washington, D.C.
• 2:00 p.m. — Bus departs picket location / returns members to the Washington-Dulles International Airport and the hotel.

Airline Industry News

Governmental and Regulatory
Forwarders take to dedicated freighter ops, but could trade issues get in the way? 

Airlines, Industry and Labor
Natilus, the cargo drone startup, has completed the latest phase of taxi tests on water for a 30-foot-long prototype of its planned, large-scale unmanned cargo aircraft.

Swiss-based carrier Panalpina added Querétaro International Airport (QRO) to its United States-Mexico network, which it calls the “speedy loop,” connecting Mexico City and Guadalajara with the airline’s airfreight gateway in Huntsville, Alabama.

Tariffs may bring a premature end to the cargo boom.

Airline Division Week in Review — May 30, 2018

Airline Division and Allegiant Air Dispatchers Reach a 5 Year Agreement with Airline

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters Airline Division and Teamsters Local 986 have reached a tentative agreement with Allegiant Air on a five-year contract for approximately 34 flight dispatchers at the company.

“Congratulations to everyone who worked to reach an agreement that is amenable to both the company and its flight dispatchers,” said Capt. David Bourne, Teamsters Airline Division Director. “This is a very important agreement that we believe will assist the company in its quest to become an industry powerhouse.”

The tentative agreement comes shortly after an election in which the company’s mechanics voted to join the Teamsters. A contract ratification vote for the flight dispatchers is anticipated before the end of July.

“This contract includes significant improvements in job security, benefits and compensation,” said Chris Griswold, Local 986 Secretary-Treasurer. “I’m pleased that we were able to work with the company and our membership to reach a contract that reflects the dedication and professionalism embodied by the flight dispatchers at Allegiant Air.”

Teamster Pilots at Flexjet Speak Up

Teamsters Local 1108 Business Agent and Flexjet pilot Laddie Hostalek speaks up in support of Flexjet pilots in an interview with Kevin Mitchell, Chairman of the Business Travel Coalition.

Topics include management’s decertification strategy, collective bargaining in a tight labor market, the role of third-party anti-union fringe groups, a Flexjet manager’s comparison of pilot unionism to cancer, and more.

Click here to listen to the interview.

Airline Industry News

Governmental and Regulatory

Members of the US House Committee on Appropriations have attached a host of amendments to the FY 2019 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Funding Bill, before sending it to the full House for an expected vote in upcoming weeks.

Senate Aerospace Caucus co-chairs Mark Warner (D–Virginia) and Jerry Moran (R–Kansas) on May 24introduced a bipartisan bill to advance research and development in the aeronautics industry.

Airlines, Industry and Labor

UPS has opened a package sorting and delivery facility at London Gateway Logistics Park. The facility will be able to sort 28,000 packages per hour and can be expanded.

JetSuite, a private charter service backed by JetBlue Airways, will order up to 100 hybrid-to-electric planes from start-up manufacturer Zunum Aero, which also counts JetBlue as an investor. "The aim is to improve the experience of flights under 1,000 miles, with shorter trips through the airport and cheaper-to-operate flights," said Bonny Simi, president of JetBlue Technology Ventures.

UPS has launched full container load service between Hong Kong and Duisburg, Germany. "By launching this new rail freight connection, UPS is committed to helping our customers in both Europe and Hong Kong grow their businesses and reach new markets." said UPS Europe executive Mike Harrell.

Atlas Air has announced the addition of Jane Lute and Sheila Stamps to its board of directors. "Ms. Lute's in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity and information technology and Ms. Stamp's diversity of strategic and financial experience make them welcome and highly qualified additions to our board of directors," said Robert Agnew, Atlas Air Worldwide's board chairman.

The fallout from last year’s air freight capacity crunch is still playing out, with shippers and forwarders on the hunt for charter flights and alternative shipping strategies.

Mexican civil aviation authorities are conducting a special inspection of the charter operator at the center of the May 18 accident in Havana, and have suspended the company's operation until further notice—the third such action in eight years against the carrier.

Pre-tax earnings for US airlines fell 27% —down approximately $700 million year-over-year—in the first quarter of 2018, as fuel, labor, airport and aircraft expenses outpaced revenues, according to an industry overview by Airlines for America (A4A) released May 23.

This year as we again enjoy the start of the summer season with family gatherings, cookouts and events and never ending commercial appeals; we ask that you join us and remember that this weekend is not for the joys these may bring. Memorial Day is our day…indeed our responsibility to recall and remember those who gave their lives in battles on distant shores to defend our nation. Many lie in marked graves and many lie in unknown fields. 

Please join us as we take a moment to remember those men and women who gave so much for us. For those who may have been family; speak their names aloud so they will never be forgotten. 

In remembrance of the fallen, the offices of the Airline Division will be CLOSED on Monday, May 28th. We will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, May 29th.

April 2018 Business Agents' Report

LOA #29 Industry Reset – An Explanation
As we are now in the second year of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, we’ve been receiving some questions about LOA #29, so we decided to put together a basic explanation for folks.
As many of you know, our members had to endure many years of total compensation that did not reflect the quality of work that was being performed on a daily basis or the status that should be associated with working for one of the largest carriers in the country. The combination of Industry and Company misfortunes conspired to make the term ‘Industry Leading Compensation’ a distant and positively unattainable objective. Fortunately, things are different now and our CBA, and LOA #29 in particular, assures that our members will remain at the top of the industry in total compensation for years to come and deservedly so.

The basic premise of LOA #29 is very simple: At two years, four years and six years after Date of Ratification (December 5th, 2016), and every year beyond the amendable date thereafter, a measurement of ‘Annual Wages and Benefits’ will be taken of the top three industry carriers (United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines). Those measurements will result in a total rate calculation for each carrier. The total rates for American and Delta will then be averaged. If the total rate for United is not at least 2% above that industry average, then wages at United will be increased so that the United total rate is equal to 2% above the industry average.

The Annual Wages and Benefits is the sum of Annual Employee Wages, Annual Employee Benefits, and Time-Off Adjustments. It is calculated for 10, 20, and 30 Years of Service weighted 20%, 60%, and 20%, respectively.

The Annual Employee Wages is the sum of basic wages, license premiums, line premium, longevity premiums, and HSA/HRA contributions at the measurement date. A profit sharing comparison is made based on a percentage of total wages, and the result is converted to a dollar amount which is added to the other factors to get the total Annual Employee Wages.

Annual Employee Benefits consist of retirement benefits and active medical plan cost share. Retirement benefits are calculated as a percentage of total wages and include Defined Contributions (401K Company contributions) and Defined Benefit (CARP). Active medical plan cost share is also calculated as a percentage of total wages. After the percentages are calculated, they are also converted to a dollar amount using total wages.

The Time-Off Adjustment is made using three factors: sick pay accrual, vacation accrual, and holidays (both fixed and floating). As with previous factors, the percentage is converted to a dollar amount for use in the comparison to the industry average consisting of American and Delta.

As mentioned previously, the ‘Annual Wages and Benefits’ is the sum of the ‘Annual Employee Wages, Annual Employee Benefits and Time-Off Adjustment calculated for 10, 20 and 30 Years of Service weighted 20% (10 YOS), 60% (20 YOS) and 20% (30 YOS).

The total rate used for comparison against the industry average is the Annual Wages and Benefits plus or minus the Scope Adjustment. The Scope Adjustment is simply the ratio of technicians per aircraft.

It should be noted here that all the factors used for the calculations are readily available through SEC filings and other public sources. When this language was being negotiated, the Company set out a huge list of factors that they wanted considered in this calculation, some of them very abstract. It was no small feat to get the factor list down to what we have now. And, although we will obviously use our actuaries when we are determining retirement related costs, the calculations will definitely be simpler as a result of those efforts.

Again, after all calculations are complete, the total rates for American and Delta will be averaged. If the total rate for United is not at least 2% above that industry average, then wages at United will be increased so that the United total rate is equal to 2% above the industry average. If there is to be a wage increase, it is contractually mandated to take effect the first pay period after each measurement date.

All eyes are on the industry right now. The probability of wage movement through the use of the industry reset at the two-year measurement will obviously increase based on short-term movement by American and Delta. But that is by no means guaranteed. We will continue to keep our eyes on the industry to see how things shake out. And, of course, we will strive to make sure you are informed throughout.

Labor History for the Month of April
April 29th, 1899 - Angry over low wages, the firing of any miner who held a union card, and the planting of company spies, miners seize a train, load it with 3,000 pounds of dynamite, and blow up a mill at the Bunker Hill mine in Wardner, Idaho. On May 3, the Governor declared martial law and 700 miners were arrested, hundreds kept imprisoned in a hastily constructed military prison for over a year.

April 29th, 1943 - The special representative to the National War Labor Board issues a report, “Retroactive Date for Women’s Pay Adjustments,” setting forth provisions respecting wage rates for women working in war industries who were asking for equal pay. A directive issued by the board in September 1942 stated that “rates for women shall be set in accordance with the principle of equal pay for comparable quantity and quality of work on comparable operations.”

April 28th, 1971 - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration — the main federal agency charged with the enforcement of workplace safety and health legislation — is formed. April 28 is designated as Workers’ Memorial Day, an international day of remembrance for those workers killed, injured, or made sick on the job.

We must never forget!

Workers Memorial Day Note from Safety Committee Chairman Ralph Ortiz
On April 28th each year, Labor observes Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job. Every worker death is a tragedy. Each brother or sister killed or injured on the job impacts their family in unimaginable ways. Unions and their members honor those brothers and sisters. Let this year be the year that all brothers and sisters return home safely each and every day to their families.

A special thanks to Brother Ralph for these thoughtful words.

Labor Quotes
Today in America, unions have a secure place in our industrial life. Only a handful of reactionaries harbor the ugly thought of breaking unions and depriving working men and women of the right to join the union of their choice. I have no use for those -- regardless of their political party -- who hold some vain and foolish dream of spinning the clock back to days when organized labor was huddled, almost as a hapless mass. Only a fool would try to deprive working men and women of the right to join the union of their choice. —Dwight D. Eisenhower

Our labor unions are not narrow, self-seeking groups. They have raised wages, shortened hours, and provided supplemental benefits. Through collective bargaining and grievance procedures, they have brought justice and democracy to the shop floor. —John F. Kennedy

No business which depends for existence on paying less than living wages to its workers has any right to continue in this country. By living wages I mean more than a bare subsistence level --I mean the wages of decent living.—Franklin D. Roosevelt

Great quotes from great men. We see all around us the repercussions of the demise in Unionism in this country, but nothing illustrates that more than the disparity in wealth between the one percenters and everyone else in this country and the resulting contraction of the middle class.

Stay Informed
The communication process is an extremely important part of what we do to represent our folks here at SFO and, as we have been outlining for quite some time, we have been blasting out the BA Report along with any other communication we get from the Airline Division or the International to anyone who registers at the TeamstersSFO website. We feel that it is essential for all of our members to be engaged and informed at all times. Therefore, we encourage all of you to spread the word to your fellow technicians to go to the TeamstersSFO website and click on the ‘email signup’ tab to get on the list.

Additionally, the Chief Stewards hold weekly meetings with the Shop Stewards to pass on any important informational items that may come up during the month. It is crucial to our process that every work area on every shift have Shop Steward representation and that the Shop Steward give, at a minimum, weekly briefings to his/her crew so that all the information gets to our members and members have the opportunity to ask questions.

Most importantly, we urge you to also consider getting more involved. Every month, on the last Thursday, we hold Craft Meetings at Local 856. At these meetings, the membership hears reports from the Business Agents and other members of the SFO Committee on Grievances, Safety, Member Assistance, and the TSAP program. Additionally, all members have an opportunity to ask questions and to bring up topics for discussion. Check your IBT Bulletin Board for dates and times and make it a point to stop by whenever you can.

As always, stay informed!

In Solidarity

Mark DesAngles Business Agent
Local 986

Javier Lectora Business Agent
Local 856

Teamsters Aviation Mechanics Coalition Newsletter

Special Edition

Check out the AMC Special Edition newsletter! The TAMC had a chance to speak with two Chix-Fix team members –Joann Mulherin, a USMCVeteran and Avionics Technician with 31 years of service, and Coach Dana Eads, a Maintenance Supervisor out of Denver International Airport (DEN). Also, find out which of our teams won the overall competition for the second year in a row!

Airline Division Week in Review — April 27, 2018

Teamster Pilots File For Mediation at Flexjet, Flight Options

On Wednesday, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Airline Division filed for mediation with the National Mediation Board (NMB) following six months of negotiations with management over a new collective bargaining agreement for Flexjet and Flight Options pilots.

Flexjet and Flight Options are luxury business jet carriers that serve wealthy individuals and large corporations and operate under the umbrella of aviation parent company One Sky Flight, LLC.

The combined Flexjet and Flight Options pilot groups are working under a single labor contract that was awarded by an arbitrator on October 10, 2017 to address the merger of the two carriers. The parties are currently negotiating over changes to that interim contract. The union is seeking pay increases, benefit improvements and more favorable work rules for pilots.

"In order for Flexjet and Flight Options to retain and recruit high-quality pilots in a tight labor market, we need a collective bargaining agreement that recognizes and rewards the hard work and dedication of our flight crews," said Capt. Efrem Vojta, President of Teamsters Local 1108. "We filed for mediation because we believe the involvement of the National Mediation Board will help us reach an agreement that works for the benefit of pilots, the carrier and customers."

In March, union negotiators proposed a framework for reaching a new labor agreement within nine months. That proposal included non-adversarial bargaining and a joint effort to identify industry-leading pay, benefits and scheduling provisions at other carriers for possible inclusion in a new contract. Management rejected the union's proposal. Hiding behind constant propaganda blaming the IBT for lack of progress, management has sponsored a decertification campaign among anti-union Flexjet pilots who have applied to the National Mediation Board (“NMB”) for a representational election.

"The Airline Division and Local 1108 want to secure a strong contract for our members to vote on without any delays or distractions," said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. "By filing for mediation, we are once again demonstrating our commitment to the One Sky pilots—many of whom have other employment options due to the pilot shortage—as well as to the success of the carrier, which needs an industry-leading labor agreement in order to attract the pilots it will take to dominate the unique market it serves."

Airline Division Joins Other Unions and Groups to Blast Drone Cargo Aircraft Study

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters Airline Division joined with the cargo pilots of Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l, the Independent Pilots Association to vehemently oppose a proposal to begin studies that could lead to single pilot drone operated cargo aircraft in the skies over America.

The groups issued the following statement concerning the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 4) introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday:

“While we applaud Members of Congress on their efforts regarding the release of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, we are deeply concerned with the language contained in Section 744 - a provision that would introduce significant aviation safety and security risks for cargo aircraft. Specifically, this provision establishes a research and development program in support of single-piloted cargo aircraft assisted with remote piloting and computer piloting.

“The professional cargo pilots of our collective airlines strongly oppose Section 744 and implore Congress to reject this provision without delay. By endorsing language that promotes single-operator commercial cargo aircraft, Congress will undermine years of safety and security measures currently in place and put lives at risk.

“The desire by some in the industry to pursue single-piloted or autonomously piloted cargo aircraft seriously places the American public and the flight crews of these aircraft in a tenuous position. For many years, aviation has been the safest form of transportation in the United States. This is by no means an accident; it is the result of a strong regulatory framework built over time, paired with an ongoing airline system safety culture that is one of the most ambitious in our nation’s history. Attempts to roll back safety regulations in such a way are counterproductive, and unacceptable to the common good. With the increasing frequency and severity of reports regarding computer hacking, accidents in current military and civilian drone operations, and mounting reports of autonomous vehicle accidents, we think any serious consideration of this technology is premature at best.”

ABX Crew Members to Picket ATSG Shareholder Meeting

Pilots of ABX, owned by ATSG will conduct informational picketing Thursday, May 10, outside of the ATSG Shareholder meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio. In a show of unity and resolve to achieve a fair contract, they will be joined by fellow member pilots of Local 1224.  The evening prior to the picketing event, they will also be hosting a crew gathering at the Holiday Inn CVG.  All pilots are welcome to join them for the crew gathering, even if they are unable to join the show of solidarity on the picket line.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP as soon as possible to give them an estimate of participation.  Maximum turnout is encouraged.  Click the following link to confirm your participation:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DVBYMJ8

Action Alert: Write Congress to Oppose Section 744 of HR 4

Teamsters Local 1224 is an active member in the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA), a trade organization which addresses safety, security, legislative and regulatory issues affecting the aviation industry. CAPA represents more than 30,000 pilots from Teamsters Local 1224 & 357, American Airlines and UPS. 

The Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) is calling on Congress to oppose Section 744 of the FAA Reauthorization Bill (H.R. 4).  

Congress is now debating legislation to renew funding for the Federal Aviation Administration. The recent version of the FAA reauthorization bill (H.R. 4) currently in the House of Representatives includes language (Section 744) that is deeply concerning; it will undermine safety for our fellow pilots and the traveling public. 

Section 744 directs a study by NASA on "single-piloted commercial cargo aircraft."  This provision will impact the safety for our national airspace system, and undo decades of effort by Congress and regulators to enhance commercial airline safety. 

Technology has its place on the flight deck, however, it will never fully replace a coordinated crew that rely on human skill drawing upon years of experience flying aircraft in all types of weather over vastly different topography.  As demonstrated during last week's event involving Southwest Airlines flight 1380, and the subsequent emergency landing in Philadelphia, "the most important safety equipment onboard any commercial passenger or cargo aircraft is a well-trained, experienced professional aircrew.” 

Attempting to omit a member of the flight crew could have potentially led to a vastly different outcome.  Moreover, this legislation is an attempt by industry to undermine our profession and relegate our skills as professional airmen/airwomen as antiquated and unnecessary. 

Nothing about the current state of this technology or our experiences with remotely-piloted aircraft, indicates a mature system that is ready for introduction into our national airspace system, or widely embraced by the American public. 

Write Congress Today! 

Your participation in this letter writing campaign is extremely important.

Ask Congress to oppose this language - a single-pilot in the cockpit is not safe commercial airline operations - and vote against Sec. 744 in H.R. 4

CLICK HERE to take action or copy/paste the following URL into your web browser: http://cqrcengage.com/capapilots/app/onestep-write-a-letter?8&engagementId=466793

Airline Division Attends STEM

International Representative Chris Moore and Deputy Division Director Allynn Allen manning the Airline Division Booth at STEM

On April 6th, Airline Division Deputy Director Allynn Allen, International Representatives Chris Moore, and Bob Fisher, along with Joyce Fisher, manned a booth at Washington D.C. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Festival.

The largest festival of its kind in the U.S.; DC STEM featured over 3,000 hands-on exhibits from the world's leading scientific and engineering societies, universities, government agencies, high-tech corporations and STEM organizations.

On Saturday and Sunday, a representative from United Airlines Talent Recruitment Office  joined with the Airline Division in this effort to educate students on future roles in aviation.

The Festival was held in the Washington D.C. Convention Center with the expected attendance of over 350,000 students. The Airline Division booth attracted much attention with students having an opportunity to fly a drone simulation and talk about the various aircraft parts displayed, courtesy of the UAL Dulles Tech Ops department, who graciously loaned the items to the Airline Division for the festival.

Airline Division attends Aviation Week MRO Conference

Once again this year, the Airline Division attended and participated in the Aviation Week MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) conference in Orlando, Florida. Designed to highlight the MRO industry; the Airline Division was represented by National Coordinator for Technicians and Related, Vincent (Vinnie) Graziano and Division Director David Bourne.

A building theme at these annual events is the looming technician shortage. North America is forecast to have a shortage of over 9000 mechanics by 2022. MRO’s are concerned with the wage rates paid as yield is continuing to be squeezed. Look for further consolidation in the MRO industry as wage rates increase, with the possibility of several of these companies going out of business. The trend continues to be work is being repatriated to the United States as the economics of overseas outsourcing becomes less advantageous to the airlines. All of these factors make for a favorable environment for negotiating technician contracts for the foreseeable future.

Airline Division attends Aviation Week MRO Conference

The winning team at this years MRO Competition, from UAL (CLE)

Once again this year, the Airline Division attended and participated in the Aviation Week MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) conference in Orlando, Florida. Designed to highlight the MRO industry; the Airline Division was represented by National Coordinator for Technicians and Related, Vincent (Vinnie) Graziano and Division Director David Bourne.

A building theme at these annual events is the looming technician shortage. North America is forecast to have a shortage of over 9000 mechanics by 2022. MRO’s are concerned with the wage rates paid as yield is continuing to be squeezed. Look for further consolidation in the MRO industry as wage rates increase, with the possibility of several of these companies going out of business. The trend continues to be work is being repatriated to the United States as the economics of overseas outsourcing becomes less advantageous to the airlines. All of these factors make for a favorable environment for negotiating technician contracts for the foreseeable future.

Airline Division and TAMC Sponsor Skills Competition at MRO Conference

The Airline Division and TAMC were sponsors of the Aerospace Maintenance Skills Competition again this year at the MRO Conference.  With a much larger presence than last year, the Teamsters visibility and reputation for excellence continue to grow throughout the industry. Sixty six teams from around the world and from all sectors of the industry competing in 28 events. There were six teams comprised of Teamster represented mechanics from UPS, Horizon, UAL (HOU), UAL (MCO), UAL (CLE) and in a first; a Teamster represented all female team called “Chix-Fix,” made up of UAL female mechanics from around the system. 

The UAL Team (CLE) won the William F. (Bill) O’Brien Award for Aviation Maintenance Excellence Award as winner of the overall competition for the second year in a row.

The Airline Division and TAMC raffled a set of tools that brought many students and military mechanics to our table which allowed us to have great conversations about the Teamsters Airline Division and the TAMC.

Our Facebook page presence also continues to gain attention. The number of followers has more than doubled since last summer. For more information on the TAMC, go to: http://teamsterair.org/tamc or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaviationmechanicscoalition/

International Representative Chris Moore presents a set of Snap-on tools to the winner of the student raffle at the MRO Convention

UAL “Chix Fix” Team Highlights Skills and Opportunities for Women in Maintenance

This year, the MRO Maintenance competition also highlighted three all female maintenance teams, including one comprised of UAL female mechanics.

The Chix-Fix team is composed of:

DEN Line Technician Janelle Bendt, O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Aircraft Inspector Polly Delaney, (DEN), Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor and Team Coach Dana Eads, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Avionics Line, Technician Joanne Mulherin, SFO San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Base, Technician Katrina Oyer, Orlando International Airport (MCO) Aircraft Maintenance, Supervisor and Team Coach Laura Spolar, (SFO), Aircraft Interior Repair Technician Natalie Vo and LAX Line Technician Zoe Wainwright.

UAL "Chix Fix," one of the three all female teams competing at the MRO Competition

Born from an idea at the Women in Aviation International, the team was led by Bonnie Turner, who is the SFO Airframe Repair and Overhaul Managing Director and coached by MCO Supervisor Laura Spolar and DEN Senior Supervisor Dana Eads.

Commenting on the team, Sister Spolar said, “One of the best reasons to field a team of women is to encourage more women to join us in this field. Someday we hope to have enough women technicians in every hub to field an all-local all-women’s team.”

“It’s been a little different for our team, since we don’t always work in the same station,” said LAX Avionics Line Technician Joanne Mulherin about the Chix Fix team. “The guys, on the other hand, are always in the same place. That’s OK with us, though; it just means we have to work harder, and we have been.”

Airline Industry News
Governmental and Regulatory

Volga-Dnepr is to cease providing AN-124 capacity for EU and NATO states under the Strategic Airlift Interim Solution (Salis) contract it shares with Antonov Airlines.

US House Transportation Committee chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania) has submitted an amendment to proposed FAA reauthorization legislation that would require a “call to action” review of airline engine safety in the wake of the Southwest Airlines flight 1380 engine failure. The amendment to HR 4, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, calls on FAA to initiate the review process within 90 days of the bill’s enactment.

The FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) late April 20 issued emergency airworthiness directives (AD) calling for inspections of fan blades on CFM56-7B engines that power Boeing 737NGs.

Airlines, Industry and Labor

(L to R) International Representative Paul Alves, USMC Veteran and Avionics Technician Joanne Mulherin (SFO-31 years) , Division Director David Bourne, Dana Eads (DEN MX Supervisor and Team Coach) and Deputy Division Director Allynn Allen at the MRO Competition.

Fort Lauderdale-based regional carrier Silver Airways finalized its purchase of San Juan, Puerto Rico-based Seaborne Airlines April 23, creating a combined fleet of 31 aircraft serving Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. Financial details of the transaction were not released.

International profits are up for UPS however, domestic profits are in a slump.

Michael L. Ducker, president and CEO of FedEx Freight since 2014, will retire on Aug. 15. Ducker joined FedEx Express in 1975, rising through the ranks and taking on the role of chief operating officer of FedEx Express in 2009.

The American Airlines Cadet Academy will train prospective pilots  for 18 months at the carrier's partner flight schools, removing financial roadblocks to encourage more to become professional aviators. Once training is complete, students can interview for a position with the airline's regional carriers Envoy, Piedmont and PSA.

FedEx will give its pilots  a hybrid system of smart glasses and oxygen masks called Smoke Assured Vision Enhanced Display, or SAVED. The system is designed to help with emergency landings by providing pilots with data from the aircraft's instrument panel and external cameras.

March 2018 Business Agents' Report

2018 FAA InfoShare

TSAP Event Review Committee Member Tracy MacCorkell and SFO Line/Flight Safety Representative Paul Dodge, who also serves as Tracy’s Alternate on the ERC, attended the 2018 FAA InfoShare in Baltimore, Maryland, from March 20th thru the 23rd. Over one thousand people from all the major airlines, as well as the FAA and MRO's, attended the 3-day event. Pilot, Dispatch, and Tech Ops safety-related issues were discussed, and participants also heard presentations from the FAA and various airlines. In addition to our SFO contingent, the Teamsters also had members from DEN, ORD, and IAH at the event along with Airline Division representatives. Tracy MacCorkell and Paul Dodge also participated in the UAL TSAP Event Review Committee (ERC) presentation to the group which focused on how the ERC promotes our TSAP program at United Airlines. The presentation was well received, and many question were asked afterwards. Our thanks go out to Tracy and Paul for representing our members at SFO with honor and professionalism.

Pictured are participants representing the IBT from the Airline Division and around the system including Tracy MacCorkell (Bottom, 2nd from left) and Paul Dodge (Top left)

2018 Women in Aviation Conference

The 2018 Women in Aviation Conference was held in Reno, Nevada from March 21st thru March 24th. The event was held at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and featured education sessions, lectures and exhibits from across the industry spectrum. The focus was on celebrating the accomplishments of the many women in Aviation and fostering encouragement and support to young women interested in aviation-related careers. United’s contingent included technicians, maintenance planning analysts, pilots, flight attendants, management, storekeepers, customer service reps and other work groups. We would like to send out a special appreciation to our SFO members who participated in the event. We recognize what a vital part you play in the success of our group! Thank you for representing us here at SFO with honor and distinction.

Pictured are some the participants from SFO: Jet Shop Chief Steward Deborah Ward-Crummey - Technician, Dorothy McClain - SFOWR Metal Spray/Flame Spray, Rhonda Bustillos-Rivera SFOWR Welder, Sharon Dimatteo - SFOJJ Stores, Candice King SFOWR Welder and Andrea Coleman Maintenance Planning Analyst - MPA . Also shown are two High School students learning about Careers in Aviation, Arelly Benavidez (15) Galt High School - Sophmore and Lillian Crummey - (15) Vision in Education/Delta College - Sophmore

Also attending from our group, but not pictured were Machinist Loretta Percell and Technician Audrey Wright.

Again, thank you all!

Stay Informed

The communication process is an extremely important part of what we do to represent our folks here at SFO and as we have been outlining for quite some time, we have been blasting out the Business Agents Report along with any other communications we get from the Airline Division or the International to anyone who registers at TeamstersSFO.com. We feel that it is essential for all of our members to be engaged and informed at all times. Therefore, we encourage all of you to spread the word to your fellow technicians to go to the TeamstersSFO.com and click on the ‘email signup’ tab to get on the list.

Additionally, the Chief Stewards hold weekly meetings with the Shop Stewards to pass on any important informational items that may come up during the month. It is crucial to our process that every work area on every shift have Shop Steward representation and that the Shop Steward give, at a minimum, weekly briefings to his/her crew so that all the information gets to our members and members have the opportunity to ask questions.

Most importantly, we urge you to also consider getting more involved. Every month, on the last Thursday, we hold Craft Meetings at Local 856. At these meetings, the membership hears reports from the Business Agents and other members of the SFO Committee on Grievances, Safety, Member Assistance, and the TSAP program. Additionally, all members have an opportunity to ask questions and to bring up topics for discussion. Check your IBT Bulletin Board for dates and times and make it a point to stop by whenever you can.

As always, stay informed!

In Solidarity,

Mark DesAngles                    Javier Lectora           
Business Agent                     Business Agent
Local 986                                  Local 856

Teamsters Aviation Mechanics Coalition Newsletter

March 2018 | Volume 9, Issue 1

Check out the Spring 2018 edition of the Teamsters Aviation Mechanics Coalition (TAMC) newsletter. In this edition, the TAMC speaks with Allegiant Air mechanics who filed for representation, the Airline Division's BA training, Teamster aviation mechanics who participated in this year's Aviation Safety Infoshare, and much more.

Airline Division Week in Review — March 30, 2018

Omni Pilots Ratify New Contract By Large Margin, High Turnout
Today over 95% of Omni International’s pilots voted by an overwhelming margin to ratify their new contract. With 190 of the 198 eligible members voting, 177 members voted in favor of the new agreement.
“I am very happy for the Omni pilots,” said Airline Division Director Captain David Bourne. “This new agreement represents a substantial improvement for the Omni pilots in wages, working conditions and quality of life. I commend their leadership and the leadership of Local 1224 for bringing this outstanding agreement to the membership and for its ratification.”

Approximately 150 Aircraft Workers at SeaTac Airport Vote to Join Teamsters Local 174
Nearly 150 aircraft fuelers, dispatchers and mechanics employed by Swissport have finally received word that they were successful in their effort to join Teamsters Local 174. The mostly-immigrant workgroup is based at SeaTac airport, and is responsible for fueling all commercial aircraft departing from that airport.
“These individuals perform technically difficult work that has a direct impact on public safety, yet Swissport pays them minimum wage without benefits. Turnover is sky-high as a result,” said Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “For the work they do, these people deserve far better treatment. The customers of Alaska Airlines and all the flying public deserves better. We are proud to see them standing together to tell their employer that they will not be taken advantage of anymore.” 
The fuelers will join their 13 fellow Swissport employees working at the SeaTac fuel farm as members of Teamsters Local 174.
The election victory comes after a difficult organizing campaign spearheaded by Local 174 Director of Organizing Meaza Ogbe.
“We faced numerous challenges, especially language and cultural barriers, but those were ultimately overcome by speaking a language we can all understand: the language of respect,” said Ogbe. “I am so proud of the courage these workers demonstrated in standing up to their employer and not falling prey to their manipulations. They are now in a great position to improve their wages, hours and working conditions, which will improve their entire standard of living.” 
The election results will be certified next week and the union will begin the process of negotiating a first contract by conducting a demands meeting and listening to the employees on what they wish to accomplish. 
“Welcome to our new sisters and brothers to the Teamsters Union, and welcome to a better way of life,” Hicks said. “We are happy to have you in our family.”

Crewmembers Cautioned On The Dangers Of Drinking Some Teas In South America
APA Teamsters Local 1224 Human Factors Coordinator Roy Liggett recently issued a warning to crewmembers operating into South America, regarding the consumption of some commercially available hot teas. In his email, he specifically referenced a tea made from Coca leaves.  He said:
“While this tea is legal and readily available in many of our South American destinations, its consumption (even accidental or unknowing) could have a catastrophic effect on your career.  
While on an overnight in these countries, please be extremely alert to this risk when consuming tea. 
In addition, this exact tea has been seen on our freighters as part of the regular catering.  If you do happen to see this tea, DO NOT consume it, discard it in the trash and immediately file an FCR with included pictures.” 
If you missed the original message, titled “Be Careful What You Eat and Drink”, you can view it by clicking here or copy/paste the following URL into your web browser (https://www.apa1224.org/all_unionnewsresults_mbr.aspx?NewsID=13134).

Butler Watch Company Salutes Russ Leighton As It’s “2017 Pillar of Aviation”
Russ Leighton, Aviation Safety Coordinator for the Teamsters Airline Division is the latest recipient of Butler Watch Company's Pillar of Aviation distinction.  Russ has devoted much of his career to the pursuit of higher safety standards in aviation.  He is focused, committed, and often times selflessly sacrifices personal time in order to complete tasks and responsibilities related to his safety work.
In a press release announcing the award; Corey Butler, President of Butler Watch Company remarked, "We are proud to honor Mr. Leighton with our Pillar of Aviation salute. Russ is driven to develop and expand aviation safety.  He deserves recognition for his commitment to improving procedures and conduct that impact all of us."
A Boeing 767 pilot for ABX and member of Local 1224, Mr. Leighton's influence is felt at numerous airline flight departments through his leadership on several industry Boards. He currently serves as the Director of Safety for the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) and also serves as the Aviation Safety Coordinator for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Airline Division. Russ is responsible for training and maintaining Aircraft Accident Go-Teams, which help the NTSB as parties to investigations.  Previously, he worked as an Air Safety Investigator for the NTSB, serving as Investigator-In-Charge on over 50 aircraft accidents.  He serves on FAA Aviation Rulemaking Committees (ARC) on behalf of CAPA, the FAA's Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST), and Aviation Safety and Information Sharing Executive Board (ASIAS).  Previously, he served on the Flight/Duty time ARC which defined new regulations for pilot flight time and duty time limits.  The new regulations use fatigue science as a basis for the first time ever and were last updated 50 years ago.
As a memento and gift for Mr. Leighton, Corey Butler presented a Professional Series GMT watch with an inscription that includes Mr. Leighton's name and the words "Pillar of Aviation."

Airline Industry News

Governmental and Regulatory
The Federal Aviation Administration says the number of commercial drones and operators in the US will quadruple over the next four years. FAA data suggest that 300,000 new commercial drone pilots will be needed.
The newly released spending bill for the Federal Aviation Administration includes an authorization extension, giving lawmakers until Oct. 1 to craft a long-term FAA bill.
Airports get a new $1 billion federal grant program, but not a long-sought hike in ticket fees to pay for construction projects, under a broad spending bill released last Wednesday.

Airlines, Industry and Labor
Atlas Air Worldwide has built up its cargo fleet with six secondhand 747-400F aircraft. "We think that was a prudent thing to do, as we think about growing demand over the next couple of years and our ability to service that," Atlas Air CEO William Flynn said.
Brisk hiring by major US airlines has sparked interest among young people  in piloting careers. A pilot shortage has small airlines struggling to find pilots and Boeing predicts that 117,000 new pilots will be needed in the US by 2036.
Cargo shippers are looking to grow their air freight capacity as demand for cargo space, including blocked space agreements, continues to grow. Analysis shows that Atlas Air and ATSG are both benefitting from the boom in air cargo.

Airline Division Week in Review — March 10, 2018

Omni Pilots reach Tentative Agreement with 100% pay gains and highest starting salaries in the airline industry
Pilots at charter airline Omni Air International reached a new tentative agreement with the company on February 28th. The agreement includes major increases in pay that make Omni’s starting first officer salaries the highest in the U.S. airline industry. The pilots are represented by the Airline Professionals Association Teamsters Local 1224 and have been in negotiations with the company for almost two and a half years.
The contract addresses longstanding concerns about compensation; many Omni pilots operating under the agreement will see their pay more than double during its four-year term. The contract also includes major increases in issues related to travel, lodging and benefits, a major victory for pilots at Omni.
The Omni contract marks the latest victory for the union, which represents pilots at ten U.S.-based passenger and cargo airlines.
“Our union is committed to raising the bar for the piloting craft,” said Teamsters Local 1224 President Daniel C. Wells. “With the OMNI agreement — the latest in a string of contract victories after Allegiant and Kalitta — we have made these companies a respectable place for pilots to work. We are proud of forcing this evolution in the industry. The contract with Omni is the latest hard-fought victory for pilots in our union and throughout the trade. We are proud to be raising standards for America’s professional pilots that support decent, stable jobs for our members and their families, and we are proud to help OMNI attract and retain pilots who will keep the airline safe for its passengers.”
Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Omni is the nation’s largest all-passenger charter airline. The company operates domestic and international flights for corporations, sports teams, government agencies, and the U.S. armed forces, among others.
“A win for pilots is a win for Omni,” said Eric Wainscott, Omni Pilots Executive Council Chairman. “With precedent-setting pay and benefits for Omni pilots, we can attract and keep our best pilots – ensuring that our passengers arrive safely and comfortably at their destinations.”
Omni pilots are expected to vote on the proposed agreement at the end of March. Additional details of the agreement will first be disclosed to and discussed with the 250 Omni pilots who are based across the country.

Allegiant Mechanics and Related join Pilots and Dispatchers as Teamsters
The mechanics and related classifications at Allegiant Air voted overwhelmingly for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to become their collective bargaining representatives in an election with the National Mediation Board (NMB). The final vote count comes after a petition for representation was filed on December 13, 2017.
“Congratulations to all of our mechanics who voted to stand united so they can negotiate for better wages, benefits and safety standards under a Teamster contract,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “We’re excited to begin the negotiations process at Allegiant Air.”
Allegiant Air employs about 400 mechanics and related technicians, primarily in Las Vegas and in Sanford, Fla., but also in 10 other stations throughout the country. The Teamsters already represent pilots and flight dispatchers employed by Allegiant Air.
Colin Coffman has been working for Allegiant Air at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport for three years. He served on the organizing committee during the campaign to bring mechanics into the Teamsters Union.
“Before I worked at Allegiant, I was a Teamster for 19 years at UPS Air Cargo,” Coffman said. “They were a powerful voice for us. The solidarity was there, and it seemed like it was a family. I think workers here need that solidarity; we need that strength.”

Republic Pilots see substantial improvements in wages and benefits with new contract extension
Republic Airline pilots who are members of Teamsters Local 357 have ratified a contract extension of their 2015 collective bargaining agreement.
The extension includes immediate pay raises retroactive to January 1, 2018. Additional raises over the next 23 months provide for a total wage increase of 14 to 28 percent, dependent upon length of service. In addition to the wage increase, improvements were made to vacation accruals and company retirement contributions.
The agreement was reached well ahead of an October 2018 amendable date. The new amendable date is January 1, 2021.
“We’re pleased to have negotiated an extension that values the service Teamster pilots at Republic provide. Reaching an agreement well ahead of the original amendable date is consistent with the goal of shortened but more frequent negotiating cycles. The union leadership feels that incremental improvements have a more immediate effect, and also have the benefit that the aggregate increase will be larger than a single comprehensive agreement achieved over the same time period. This extension was ratified by 51 percent of those voting, with 85 percent participation. Those numbers suggest that this new approach will have to be proven successful to the membership through continuous improvements in the future,” said Josh LeBlanc, President of Local 357.
Teamsters Local 357, based in Plainfield, Indiana, represents over 2,000 pilots flying for Republic.

Airline Industry News
Governmental and Regulatory
Doug Parker, CEO of American Airlines, expressed disappointment that Congress had failed to provide meaningful reforms to the nation's air traffic control system. "The status quo doesn't work," he said. "If our government wants to hold onto [ATC] and be in charge of this commercial process, we need to make it work."

Airlines, Industry and Labor
United Airlines is considering the Airbus A330-800neo and Boeing New Mid-market Airplane (NMA) among options to replace its fleet of aging Boeing 757s and 767s.
Hawaiian Airlines has ordered 10 Boeing 787-9 "Dreamliner" passenger jets, expected to arrive in 2021. "The Dreamliner combines excellent comfort for our guests with fantastic operational performance, and will allow us to continue modernizing our fleet into the next decade," said Peter Ingram, Hawaiian's president and CEO.
A report from the International Air Transport Association shows that the air cargo market is off to a strong start in 2018, with traffic up 8% year-over-year in January. "We expect demand for air cargo to taper to a more normal 4.5% growth rate for 2018," said Alexandre de Juniac, CEO and director general of IATA.

February 2018 Business Agents' Report

Teamsters License Protection Program

As aviation maintenance professionals, we all take safety very seriously. Unfortunately, there are times when, due to circumstances we sometimes cannot control, we might find ourselves in a position where we are accused of or have actually violated FAR’s. The Teamster License Protection Program is open to both licensed and unlicensed technicians at no cost to the employee and offers legal counsel for FAR violations.

A Letter of Investigation (LOI) is issued by the FAA in those cases where the FAA believes a technician may have violated one or more FAR’s. An LOI can be issued in cases where there has not yet been self-disclosure using a TSAP (TechOps Safety Awareness Program) report or where a TSAP report was rejected by the TSAP Event Review Committee (ERC). If a technician receives an LOI from the FAA, he or she should immediately contact the Business Agents. The Business Agents will then discuss the circumstances surrounding the LOI with the technician, contact the program administrator, then make a decision about contacting outside legal counsel to assist. If the case is to be referred to an attorney, the technician will need to draft a response, explanation, or justification for the work that the FAA is investigating which will be used by the attorney as a basis to answer the LOI.

The attorney may have questions or need additional information that may be requested by phone or email. A letter will be sent from the attorney to the technician explaining the arrangement of legal representation through the Union.

The attorney will then help the technician craft their response to the FAA to make sure the situation is clearly explained. In many cases, the LOI response ends the investigation. However, should the FAA decide to continue to an informal conference, the technician, Business Agents and the program administrator will discuss the next steps with the attorney.

If the decision is made by the program administrator to proceed to the informal conference step with the FAA, the attorney will help prepare the technician for the meeting and will be present in person or via conference call for the meeting.

If the matter cannot be resolved at the informal conference and the FAA proceeds with a certificate action before the NTSB, the technician, the program administrator, and the attorney will decide the best course of action. Should the parties decide to go in front of the administrative law judge for a hearing, the attorney will represent the technician at the proceedings.

Of course, we hope you never find yourselves on the receiving end of an LOI. But if you do, we will do our best to make sure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Teamsters Joint Council 7 Day at the Ballpark

The annual Teamsters JC7 Day at the Oakland Coliseum will occur on July 21st, between the Oakland A’s and the San Francisco Giants. If you do not yet have tickets and are interested in attending, please contact your Chief Steward as soon as possible because they are selling out fast. Tickets are $35 and they include access to the Teamsters Joint Council 7 pre-game party and barbeque.

We will also be raffle off a pair of tickets at the June 21st Craft meeting at Local 856 with proceeds going to the TeamstersSFO Solidarity fund. The price for the raffle tickets is $10 or 3 tickets for $20. See your Shop Steward or Chief Steward for raffle tickets. We hope to see you there!

Pre-Retirement Seminar at the MOC

Thanks to all of you who attended the annual Pre-Retirement Seminar held at the MOC on Saturday, February 17th. Members received a wealth information from Member Assistance Representatives Steve Loone and Steve Crummey and listened to presentations from Kaiser Permanente and Fidelity Investments personnel. We received a ton of positive feedback from members who attended, and we look forward to keeping this going as an annual event. Thanks to all of our volunteers for their help making sure things went smoothly and special thanks to Steve Loone and Steve Crummey for putting it all together!

Did You Know: Girl Scouts Gift of Caring Program

The Girl Scouts Gift of Caring Program is a great way to support military personnel and Girl Scouts at the same time!

During the cookie program, customers can donate money directly to Girl Scouts, which will then be used to purchase cookies that are sent to organizations that bring comfort to the women and men serving in the armed forces. There are several ways to donate but we recommend talking to your local Girl Scout cookie salesperson and asking how you can help support our troops deployed overseas. For those of you who want to make larger donations, visit your local Girl Scout Troop’s website and look for the Gift of Caring Program information. Thanks again to Technician Lou Kostura for the info!

Labor History for the Month of February

February 19th, 1910 - The Philadelphia Rapid Transit trolley company fires 173 workers – all members of the Amalgamated Association of Street and Electric Railway Employees of America – and replaces them with scabs from New York City. Street battles, demonstrations, and a general strike ensued in the city that lasted for 57 days.

February 7th, 2008 - A huge explosion and fire at the Imperial Sugar refinery northwest of Savannah, Georgia, kills 14 and injures 38 people. The explosion was fueled by massive accumulations of combustible sugar dust throughout the packaging building. An investigation by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board stated that the explosion had been “entirely preventable,” noting the sugar industry had been aware of the risk of dust explosions since 1926.

We must never forget!

This Month’s Labor Quotes

In our glorious fight for civil rights, we must guard against being fooled by false slogans, as 'right-to-work.' It provides no 'rights' and no 'works.' Its purpose is to destroy labor unions and the freedom of collective bargaining... We demand this fraud be stopped. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Strong, responsible unions are essential to industrial fair play. Without them the labor bargain is wholly one-sided. The parties to the labor contract must be nearly equal in strength if justice is to be worked out, and this means that the workers must be organized and that their organizations must be recognized by employers as a condition precedent to industrial peace. - Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis

Stay Informed

The communication process is an extremely important part of what we do to represent our folks here at SFO, as we have outlined for quite some time. We have been blasting out the BA Report along with any other communication we get from the Airline Division or the International to anyone who registers at the TeamstersSFO website. We feel it is essential for all of our members to be engaged and informed at all times. Therefore, we encourage all of you to spread the word to your fellow technicians to go to the TeamstersSFO website and click on the ‘email signup’ tab to get on the list.

Additionally, the Chief Stewards hold weekly meetings with the Shop Stewards to pass on any important informational items that may come up during the month. It is crucial to our process that every work area on every shift have Shop Steward representation and that the Shop Steward give, at a minimum, weekly briefings to his/her crew so all the information gets to our members and that our members have the opportunity to ask questions.

Most importantly, we urge you to also consider getting more involved. Every month, on the last Thursday, we hold Craft Meetings at Local 856. At these meetings, the membership hears reports from the Business Agents and other members of the SFO Committee on Grievances, Safety, Member Assistance, and the TSAP program. Additionally, all members have an opportunity to ask questions and to bring up topics for discussion. Check your IBT Bulletin Board for dates and times, and make it a point to stop by whenever you can.

As always, stay informed!

In Solidarity

Mark DesAngles                    Javier Lectora
Business Agent                     Business Agent
Local 986                              Local 856

Mechanics' Dispatch

2017 Profit Sharing Update

Brothers and Sisters,

There has been some frustration over the shrinking amount of profit sharing for this year, especially in light of the profit sharing announcement at Delta.

The reason the committee took this approach was simple. Based upon our goal of protecting your short and long range goals; we determined, based on the economic forecasts of consultant Dan Akins, that profits would drop leading to a substantial loss in your Profit Sharing. This has been borne out as we see that the pilots have taken a stunning 60% reduction in their Profit Sharing.

While the underlying premise of Profit Sharing is good; the sad reality is that it is tied to the company’s profits and is never a guarantee. Our goal was and will always be to ensure that you are recognized for your efforts.

Based upon these concerns, the committee determined that it would be far better to capture the highest hourly rate possible, rather than have annual earnings flex with the ability of the company to make a profit, especially during any future recession. We also recognized that other airlines might increase their respective profit sharing formulae or amounts. In order to capture any possible upward change, the committee included profit sharing at other carriers in the industry reset language in LOA #29.

With our concern that of protecting your finances; and our concerns that the profits would decline, having a negative impact on you, the negotiating committee agreed to the new formula that was based on protecting your hard earned money even in any decline. The reset will occur this December and will take into account the recent increase at Delta Airlines whose profit was much higher than United's. That increase will be applied towards your future raises, and will remain, regardless of the company's profits, for the duration of the agreement and beyond.

Our goal was then and will always remain; protecting the paychecks and financial futures of you and your family. By moving Profit Sharing percentages to hard dollars in your paycheck, we have insured that regardless of United’s profits or industry economic downturns that will come, your hard work will always be recognized and protected.

Fraternally,

Vincent Graziano
National Coordinator, Technician and Related International Brotherhood of Teamsters Airline Division

January 2018 Business Agents' Report

Happy New Year
We hope that all of you had a fabulous Holiday Season!

Although 2017 posed many challenges, we are proud of what we were able to accomplish and that our members now enjoy the best contract in the industry.

As is normally the case, during the transition to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, there have been some implementation issues and also some areas where we disagree with the Company in terms of contract interpretation. We have been working to get those issues resolved and we will actively pursue the grievance process right on up to Arbitration in all areas where we believe that the Company is misinterpreting the CBA. In fact, in January we completed five System Board of Adjustment hearings for contract cases and are fully prepared to take those to Arbitration if we have to. Additionally, we are in constant dialogue with the Company in an effort to find resolution whenever possible on any outstanding issues or grievances. Eventually, we will get these issues resolved one way or another.

We would like to now point to the many gains that we have attained over the last decade. Think back to how it was back then. We all lived it together. No pension. Bottom of industry in wages. Four OT shifts max for a month. Not even an inkling of what a Trade Day consisted of nor what a HRA account was. No ability to bid to another crew or another shift even though you had the seniority because you had to wait for some magic opening to occur. Layoff after layoff. We remember very clearly the despair we all felt back then. It was like being stuck in quicksand.

But we have turned the corner. And we are thankful for where we are now and also gratified for the work your Grievance Committee, Safety Committee, Member Assistance, and TSAP representatives do every day on your behalf. Of course, there are those that like to sit in the corner and throw darts at the Union or, more specifically, throw darts at those of us that have dedicated our lives to fighting for the membership. All while they contribute nothing except bitterness, hypocrisy, and worse, outright lies. As we are both individuals who believe in Unions and who have both continuously served as a Shop Stewards through three Unions, we see this bunch as the worst and most cynical to ever to come along. They have willingly partnered with known Union Busters to advance their agenda and they have happily recruited dues objectors and other union-haters to their cause. Then, they want to assert that they are the keepers of true Unionism and that only they will fight on your behalf to get you that elusive perfect contract that you have always wanted if you would only put your trust in them. Despite their assertions, the Union does not write a Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is negotiated and, as such, there will never be any such thing as a perfect contract. But, that being said, there is no doubt as to what we have been able to attain. There is simply no better contract in the industry. Top of the industry in wages with a pension, an HRA, Day Trades, 20+ shifts of OT eligibility, to name just a few. Whether you want more time off or more opportunity to work overtime, you are covered. Like the saying goes, “the proof is in the pudding.” It is our understanding that the process of distributing the new contract books to the membership has begun. We hope that each of you will take the time to read your contract very carefully. Then take a moment to reflect on how things used to be.

New Craft Meeting Hours
As you may have seen posted, we have changed the hours at our monthly Craft Meetings to the following:

Midnight Shift Meeting – 0700
Swing Shift Meeting – 1130
Day Shift Meeting – 1500

This change will allow us to focus more on floor visits on all three shifts throughout Craft Day so that we can answer questions, address concerns, and also just say ‘hello’. Going forward, a group consisting of the Business Agents, Coordinator, Area Chief Steward, Area Safety Rep, Member Assistance Representative, and TSAP ERC member will be visiting each of the four primary work locations (Line, Backshops, Airframe, and Jet Shop) on a rotating basis. In January the group visited various crews out on the Line on all three shifts and had an opportunity to speak to many folks. Thanks to all for your feedback.

SFOTeamsters.com Transition is Complete
We have completed the transition to the new website. Please visit SFOTeamsters.com and take a look around. You will find information regarding your local committee personnel, communication updates and a variety of important member resources and forms.

BAQ 113 – Calibration Technician Matrix
We have still been receiving questions about ‘grandfathering’ rights regarding several BAQ’s for technicians on the Seniority list prior to 2011 ratification of the stand-alone agreement. In order to clarify the issue, we are going to explain the qualification process for the two most questioned BAQ’s. The first is BAQ 113 – Calibration Technician. Because it had been an established practice that a Trade test would be administered to qualify for this BAQ, the following matrix was discussed and implemented with respect to ‘grandfathering’ requests submitted through the eBids website for BAQ 113:

1)    The Technician has previous documented work experience in Bid Area 113; the BAQ request is approved with no further action required or,
2)    The Technician has previously documented work experience in Bid Area 116 – Tooling Repair Technician prior to June 1, 2017 (SFO - prior to 116/113 split); the BAQ request is approved with no further action required or,
3)    The Technician has previously documented experience in Bid Area 123 - Avionics Shop Technician; the BAQ request is improved with no further action required or,
4)    The Technician has previously documented work history as a Mechanic - Radio Shop with the associated job code 6030 – 24; the BAQ request is approved with no further action required or,
5)    When the Technician does not meet any of the requirements noted above for the 113 BAQ, ‘request a trade test’ function will be administered to determine qualifications

We hope that this information will help clear up any questions regarding BAQ 113 ‘grandfathering’.

BAQ 117 – Electric Harness Shop Technician
The other BAQ that we would like to address is BAQ 117 – Electric Harness Shop Technician. Again, because of a prior established trade test practice, an appropriate matrix was developed to address ‘grandfathering’ practices for technicians on the Seniority List prior to 2011. It is as follows:

1)    The Technician has previous documented work experience as a Bid Area 117 – Electric Harness Shop Technician; the BAQ request is approved with no further action required or,
2)    The Technician has previous documented work experience in the former SFOEC electrical shop; the BAQ request is approved with no further action required or,
3)    The Technician has previously documented work history has a Bid Area 104 - Avionics Technician (Airframe or Line Maintenance); the request is approved with no further action required or,
4)    The technician has previous documented work history as a Bid Area 123 - Avionics Shop Technician; the BAQ request is improved with no further action required or,
5)    When the Technician does not meet any of the requirements noted above for the BAQ 117, ‘request a trade test’ function would be administered to determine qualifications.

We want you to know again that the matrices above pertain to ‘grandfathering’ rights afforded to technicians who were on the Seniority List prior to 2011 ratification of the previous stand-alone agreement only. All Bid Area Qualifications outside of this ‘grandfathering’ will be administered according to Article 3 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Stay Informed
The communication process is an extremely important part of what we do to represent our folks here at SFO and, as we have been outlining for quite some time, we have been blasting out the BA Report along with any other communication we get from the Airline Division or the International to anyone who registers at SFOTeamsters.com. Additionally, there are weekly meetings held with the Shop Stewards to pass on any important informational items that may come up during the month. It is crucial to our process that every area on every shift have Shop Steward representation and that the Shop Steward give, at a minimum, weekly briefings to his/her crew so that all the information gets to our members. We feel that it is essential for all of our members to be engaged and informed at all times. Therefore, we encourage all of you to spread the word to your fellow technicians to go to SFOTeamsters.com and click on the ‘email signup’ tab to get on the list. And, most importantly, we urge you to also consider getting more involved. Every month, on the last Thursday, we hold Craft Meetings at Local 856. At these meetings, the membership hears reports from the Business Agents and other members of the SFO Committee on Grievances, Safety, Member Assistance, and TSAP. Additionally, all members have an opportunity to ask questions and to bring up topics for discussion. Check your IBT Bulletin Board for dates and times and make it a point to stop by.

As always, stay informed!

In Solidarity,

Javier Lectora
Business Agent
Local 856

Mark DesAngles                   
Business Agent                    
Local 986