Mechanics Dispatch - October 7, 2019
SFO Teamsters
Be on the lookout for the Aflac reps for the next couple of weeks. Contact your shop stewards for more info.
SFO Teamsters:
Be on the lookout for the Aflac reps for the next couple of weeks. Contact your shop stewards for more info.
BENEFIT UPDATE
Dear Members:
As many of you are aware the Airline Division has built a mutually beneficial relationship with Aflac Insurance in this last few years and this relationship has helped our membership with affordable coverage for their families that offers whole life, accident, critical illness and short-term disability coverage. We are pleased to announce that as a result of the Airline Division and AFLAC we have added a Hospital Indemnity Program (HIP) as part of this program which will be available starting January 1, 2020.
The hospital indemnity policy will pay you cash for any hospitalization with at least one overnight stay, including those related to workers’ compensation claims. You will have a choice of two plans, a high or low option based upon the medical plan you have, so that you can select a plan you can comfortably afford.
The HIP will have guarantee issue, including:
no exclusions for pre-existing conditions (including pregnancy);
guaranteed issue coverage for all family members, including children up to age 26;
a policy that is fully portable when you leave United Airlines
I am also pleased to announce that because of the relationship we have built with Aflac all four of the current policies rates will remain unchanged through 2022. This is your union working for you and giving you choices of coverage that meet you and your family's individual needs.
The Airline Division will continue explore different areas of volunteer benefits that meet the members’ needs at a reasonable cost.
Open enrollment
With open enrollment right around the corner, October 7th-27th for employees and October 28th -November 8th for retirees, it is important that you are aware of changes to your benefit choices. The Company flyer is in the mail or you have already received it.
If you have vision coverage this year and you do not actively enroll, you will be automatically enrolled into one of the new plans as shown below:
IMPORTANT UPDATES FOR HEALTHY REWARDS PPO PARTICIPANTS:
$4,800 cap on hopw much you can accumulate in your HRA goes into effect January 1, 2020 - be sure your HRA balance is below $4,800 so you don't miss out on wellness incentive dollars from United Airlines.
As announced during last year’s Annual Enrollment, starting on January 1, 2020, there will be a limit on how much you can accumulate in your Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) — $4,800.
If you participate in the Healthy Rewards PPO plan, you can earn wellness incentive dollars from United in the form of an HRA contribution when you complete your annual physical prior to the end of the year. HRA funds carry over year after year, as long as you remain enrolled in the Healthy Rewards PPO plan.
However, beginning on January 1, 2020, the amount that you can accumulate in the Healthy Rewards HRA will be capped at $4,800. If your HRA balance is at or above the $4,800 cap on January 1, 2020, you will not be eligible to earn your wellness dollars from United for 2020 (even if you complete your physical by year‑end). Eligibility for the wellness incentive will be determined in December for the upcoming incentive year.
In order to earn the full incentive amount from United in 2020, you will need to ensure you have completed your annual physical and your HRA balance is at or below the following amount by December 31, 2019:
The Healthy Rewards Program, HRA, should not be confused with the Health Reimbursement account, VEBA HRA. These are two separate programs with no relationship to each other. There is no cap on the VEBA
Fraternally,
Ken Meidinger
International Representative
Airline Division
UAL Benefits Coordinator
Look for this new coverage the next time the Aflac team visits your station in 2020. For more information, click here or contact Ken Meidinger at kenmeidinger@aol.com.
Mechanics Dispatch - October 1, 2019
News & Updates
The IBT Airline Division has built a mutually beneficial relationship with Aflac Insurance. This relationship has helped our membership with affordable coverage that offers whole life, accident, critical illness and short-term disability coverage. We are pleased to announce that we have added a Hospital Indemnity Program (HIP). This program will be available starting January 1, 2020.
The IBT Airline Division has built a mutually beneficial relationship with Aflac Insurance. This relationship has helped our membership with affordable coverage that offers whole life, accident, critical illness and short-term disability coverage. We are pleased to announce that we have added a Hospital Indemnity Program (HIP). This program will be available starting January 1, 2020.
The hospital indemnity policy will pay you cash for any hospitalization with at least one overnight stay, including those related to workers’ compensation claims. You will have a choice of two plans, a high or low option based upon the medical plan you have, so that you can select a plan you can comfortably afford.
The HIP will have guarantee issue, including:
no exclusions for pre-existing conditions (including pregnancy);
guaranteed issue coverage for all family members, including children up to age 26;
a policy that is fully portable when you leave United Airlines, and
benefits paid that are never treated as taxable income.
I am also pleased to announce that because of the relationship we have built with Aflac all four of the current policies rates will remain unchanged through 2022. This is your union working for you and giving you choices of coverage that meets you and your family's individual needs.
Look for this new coverage the next time the Aflac team visits your station in 2020. For more information, click here or contact Ken Meidinger at kenmeidinger@aol.com.
September 2019 Business Agents' Report
Shop Steward Training Held at Local 856
On Wednesday, July 31st, we held training for our UAL Shop Stewards at Local 856 in San Bruno. Over 50 UAL Stewards from all over SFO were in attendance to hear presentations on Conflict Resolution, FMLA, and Internal Organizing.
The presenters for the training were attorneys Susan Garea and Andy Baker from the Beeson, Tayer and Bodine Law firm and Local 856 Director of Organizing Chris Rosell. The training allowed the Stewards the opportunity to connect with each other, build solidarity, share experiences and information and partake in lively discussions about critical issues affecting our membership. We are grateful to all of the Stewards who were able to come out and participate. They definitely brought their A-game.
Shop Steward Training Held at Local 856
On Wednesday, July 31st, we held training for our UAL Shop Stewards at Local 856 in San Bruno. Over 50 UAL Stewards from all over SFO were in attendance to hear presentations on Conflict Resolution, FMLA, and Internal Organizing.
The presenters for the training were attorneys Susan Garea and Andy Baker from the Beeson, Tayer and Bodine Law firm and Local 856 Director of Organizing Chris Rosell. The training allowed the Stewards the opportunity to connect with each other, build solidarity, share experiences and information and partake in lively discussions about critical issues affecting our membership. We are grateful to all of the Stewards who were able to come out and participate. They definitely brought their A-game.
UAL Shop Stewards from SFO attend training on July 31st, 2019
Thanks to all of the members of the TeamstersSFO Committee for their help in getting our Stewards to the event and to Local 856 Principal Officer Peter Finn, Local 856 Office Manager Lisa Hensel and the rest of the staff over at Local 856 for all of their help in making sure the training went off without a hitch. Special thanks to Susan Garea, Andy Baker, and Chris Rosell for sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience with our Stewards!
We look forward to continuing our effort to make sure you have the best representation possible at all times.
Attorney Andy Baker from Beeson Tayer and Bodine presents on the topic of FMLA
HRA/HSA Arbitration Decision Update
Arbitrator Berger denied the Unions request for interest earnings on the HRA/HSA 2017 payouts. The Airline Division forwarded spreadsheets outlining all HSA/HRA adjustments to all of the systems Business Agents and we have forwarded the spreadsheets for SFO and SMF to the Chief Stewards so that individual members can check to see if the amounts shown as the difference between their ‘actual’ and ‘owed’ 2017 HSA/HRA contributions are correct.
The adjustments will occur automatically, and no action will be required on your part. However, if you worked more than 1560 hours between April 1st and December 31st, because of overtime, and you were not compensated VEBA hours beyond the company-imposed 1560 cap, you should reach out to your Chief Steward so that you can check the spreadsheet and verify that your hours were adjusted correctly.
Additionally, the Airline Division is working with the company in order to provide a source through payroll to verify contributions, but that work is not yet complete.
We will continue to send out updates as the situation unfolds.
2019 Hoffa Scholarship Awards
The 2019 Hoffa Scholarship Award winners were revealed last week, and we are happy to announce that we had three winners here at SFO.
$1000 awards were made to Bryan Ngo, Son of SFOOV R&E Technician John Ngo and to Dylan Lopez, Son of SFOMM Line Technician Jonathan Lopez. Additionally, Jan Truong, daughter of RQ Technician Minh Trong received one of the top scholarships of $10,000!
Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients!
Hundreds Rally in Sacramento in Support of AB5
On Wednesday, July 10th, Local Teamsters joined other folks in Sacramento to Rally in support of Assembly Bill AB5, which seeks to prevent worker misclassification by employers as independent contractors when they should be classified as employees. The bill, which has widespread support, including by Governor Gavin Newsom, will be coming up on the floor of the State Assembly soon. Thanks to all of our folks who participated. They really turned up the volume in the hallways of the Capital Building!
2019 Joint Council 7 Day at the Ballpark
On Saturday, August 24th, hundreds of Teamsters showed up to celebrate Teamsters Day at the Ballpark sponsored by Teamsters Joint Council 7. The weather was hot and the links were hotter. Overall, the event was a smashing success and the party outside the game was as fabulous as the game itself (Sorry A’s fans). Thanks to all of our members for their continued support with this event. For those of you who could not make it: There is always next year!
Teamsters, along with friends and family were out in full force on Saturday, August 24th
Technician Gene Durr, Local 856 Principal Officer Peter Finn, Shop Steward Don Stevens, Local 856 Business Agent Kathleen Romero and Local 856 Business Agent Javier Lectora
Grievance Update
The System Board decision was received for one 3rd Step grievance (Progressive Discipline-Skipping Steps) and the Board deadlocked. We discussed the case with counsel and were advised that we could not prevail in arbitration. An opinion letter was drafted for us and we closed the grievance based on that opinion.
Prior to the System Boards the Company settled two 3rd Step grievances by providing revised 2nd Step answers. With the first grievance (Deferred Holidays), the Company committed to make sure that anyone that deferred a holiday while on a 10-hour schedule, and later switched to an 8-hour schedule and used the deferred holiday, would be credited with the two unused hours to their bank. The Company also committed to modifying the eTA program so that all 10-hour deferrals are fully credited to the an employee’s DAT bank so that individuals will no longer be deprived of any hours if they happen to switch from a 10-hour schedule to an 8-hour schedule after they defer a holiday.
Another 3rd Step grievance (50 Divisor-VDAT allocation) also had a revised 2nd Step answer submitted by the Company. The Company committed to using a divisor of 50 when calculating the vacation allocation per Article 9, Paragraph B.
Two cases were heard at System Board on Thursday, August 21st. The first was a termination case and the second involved a first-time AOA security violation and subsequent action by the Company that we feel violated our member’s right to just cause treatment. After additional information requests, the record is now closed on those hearings. We now await the decision. The next System Board hearings are scheduled for November.
We are also awaiting one arbitration decision (EFS Bypass) and are currently seeking agreement for an arbitrator/date for another grievance (Dock 3 Tool Crib) currently at arbitration level.
Union History
June 25th, 1938 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into law. The FLSA applied to industries whose combined employment represented only about one-fifth of the labor force. In these industries, it banned certain types of child labor, established a minimum wage, and set a maximum workweek at 44 hours.
August 28th, 1963 - 250,000 people participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in Washington, D.C. The march—initiated by A. Philip Randolph, president of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters—was organized by a coalition of civil rights, labor, and religious organizations. It was here that Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.
July 26th, 1990 - President George H.W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act, a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, like many business organizations, opposed the law, arguing that the costs of the ADA would be “enormous” and have a “disastrous impact on many small businesses struggling to survive.”
We must never forget!
Union Quotes
We can either have democracy in this country or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can't have both - Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis
When morality comes up against profit, it is seldom that profit loses - Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm
Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed; those who are cold and are not clothed - Dwight D. Eisenhower
Our Commitment to Communication
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 Javier Lectora
Business Agent Business Agent
Local 986 Local 856
Airline Division Week in Review -- Labor Day Edition
As Hurricane Dorian Approaches, IBT Teams Prepare to Assist
Just as with the devastation of Hurricane Maria brought the resources of the IBT to help our neighbors in Puerto Rico and the mainland, the approach of Hurricane Dorian has activated the Disaster Relief team in preparation for assisting with the impact of the storm.
As Hurricane Dorian Approaches, IBT Teams Prepare to Assist
Just as with the devastation of Hurricane Maria brought the resources of the IBT to help our neighbors in Puerto Rico and the mainland, the approach of Hurricane Dorian has activated the Disaster Relief team in preparation for assisting with the impact of the storm.
In a message to the members of Local 769; President Josh Zivalich said the following:
“Teamsters Local 769 would like to ask all of our members and their families to be prepared for Hurricane Dorian. Make a plan for your families and be sure to have the necessary supplies on hand if you will be staying through the storm. Track the progress of the storm and listen to advisories from your local authorities. If you are in an evacuation or flood zone, follow designated evacuation routes and get to a safe place.”
Joint Council 75, Principal Officer Jim Schulring has requested I.B.T. Disaster Relief coordinator Roy Gillespie to spearhead the Disaster Recovery efforts. TLU 769 Business Agent David Renshaw will be assisting and helping to coordinate assets.
Discussing the potentials for the storms impact; Renshaw said, “we have the team members and assets ready to begin assessments as soon as the storm passes, with the ability to respond to needs in the Southeastern U.S. and if requested, we can do assessments and help coordinate relief in the Bahamas as well. The impact of this storm will be catastrophic in the Northern Bahamas, and unknown as yet here in Florida as well as along the Eastern Seaboard.”
Teamsters Local 769, along with the IBT Human Rights and Diversity Commission, has prepared the following Resource for Preparedness and Relief from Natural Disasters. You can open and print a copy from the link below.
https://teamsterslocal769.org/2019/08/30/prepare-for-hurricane-dorian/
TAMC Message to Members on Labor Day
In a message to their membership, the TAMC Board of Directors; Chris Moore, Bob Fisher and the Honorable John Goglia issued the following:
“Monday September 2nd is Labor Day and a day to celebrate all the hard-working men and women that are the backbone of our great country. Regardless of whether you belong to a Labor Union if you fix aircraft you are Labor. You come to work every day knowing that you hold people’s lives in your hands, and further, that mediocrity is not an option. You work in high stress situations and many times in extreme weather conditions, never forgetting your commitment to safety.
So, on Labor Day take a moment to reflect and Celebrate Labor.”
Thanks for all that you do!
Airline Industry News
Governmental and Regulatory
A coalition of 28 environmental and public-health groups is protesting FAA’s push to provide regulatory relief for the civil supersonic aircraft industry. In an Aug. 28 letter to FAA administrator Steve Dickson, the groups wrote that “supersonic aircraft would fuel the global climate crisis and threaten Americans with lasting damages from extreme air and noise pollution.”
The leading US developers of supersonic aircraft called on the Department of Transportation (DOT) Aug. 27 to modify its proposed rule on supersonic flight authorizations, arguing the proposal’s wording amounts to an effective prohibition on all supersonic flight.
FAA’s plan for how pilots will evaluate changes to the Boeing 737 MAX and new training materials signals a shift from a focus primarily on the carriers it regulates to one that accounts for variations in pilot experience around the world. The agency is finalizing a plan to bring in as many as 30 pilots from a variety of carriers to conduct MAX simulator sessions in the coming weeks.
Airlines, Industry and Labor
The real estate arm of US-based Aviation Facilities Company Management (AFCO) secured upwards of $36 million in financing for a new air cargo facility under construction at Baltimore International Airport (BWI
AFCO said the funds will finance the construction of a 200,000-square-foot air cargo facility and a 450,000-square-foot aircraft parking apron. Completion of these projects is expected by October 2019, the company said in a release.
Labor Day 2019
As we celebrate Labor Day 2019; let us all reflect on the sacrifices of the men and women who have come before us and through their individual and collective sacrifice; toil, tears…and in some cases, blood…forged a history of unity and strength that is organized labor.
Tomorrow, as we celebrate Labor Day let us each remember them and their sacrifice. Let us each resolve to tell the story and remind others; especially our youth, of the sacrifices that have given them so much. Let us resolve to always be the voices that lift and spread the word; that organized labor built America and that we will always be UNION STRONG and TEAMSTER PROUD.
In honor of our members and all American working men and women, the offices of the Airline Division will be CLOSED on Monday, September 2nd. We will reopen for regular business on Wednesday, September 3rd. We wish each of you and your families a very Happy Labor Day.
Airline Division Week in Review -- August 21
Allegiant Technicians and Related Negotiations Update
The union Negotiating Committee met with the Company on August 13th, 14th and 15th at Allegiant Air Headquarters. The Union and the Company made considerable progress and have reached T/As on Articles 10 (Leaves of Absence) and 23 (Management Rights). The committee also spent considerable time on and completed Article 19 (Grievance Procedure) which is now in the review process with the expectation that it will passed to the Company during the next round of negotiations. The sessions continue to be positive and productive, with the next round scheduled for the week of September 9th.
Allegiant Technicians and Related Negotiations Update
The union Negotiating Committee met with the Company on August 13th, 14th and 15th at Allegiant Air Headquarters. The Union and the Company made considerable progress and have reached T/As on Articles 10 (Leaves of Absence) and 23 (Management Rights). The committee also spent considerable time on and completed Article 19 (Grievance Procedure) which is now in the review process with the expectation that it will passed to the Company during the next round of negotiations. The sessions continue to be positive and productive, with the next round scheduled for the week of September 9th.
Air Canada and Airline Division reach Tentative Agreement
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has reached a tentative agreement with Air Canada, the largest passenger carrier in Canada. The proposed contract covers over 700 customer service representatives, reservation assistants, air cargo workers and other employees at the company’s U.S. base of operations.
“These workers were engaged and united throughout the process of collective bargaining, and their hard work paid off,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “They earned every benefit in this contract through their commitment and dedication.”
“Thanks to diligent efforts of our negotiating committee, we were able to draft a collective bargaining agreement that improves compensation and working conditions for these workers while also ensuring that the company will maintain its status as the premier passenger carrier of Canada,” said Bob Fisher, Airline Division International Representative. “This contract is another example of why aviation workers all across North America are affiliating with our union.”
The 10-year agreement includes a number of new benefits, including signing bonuses ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, guaranteed protection for medical rates and job security, annual raises and the elimination of black-out periods for vacation. More details will be available in the upcoming weeks as the union begins a series of open sessions with its membership to review the details of the agreement. A ratification vote is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Cape Air Pilots File for Mediation
Despite movement on several sections, the lack of movement by management on key areas; primarily compensation, have led the ExCo of Cape Air to file for federal mediation.
“This is not something we expected, or quite frankly wanted,” said Cape Air ExCo Chairman Captain Marilyn Rhude. However, our pilots conduct some of the most demanding flying in the industry and with an entirely new, extremely fuel efficient fleet coming online that we are the launch customer for; the pilots of Cape Air are long overdue for a salary scale that reflects the responsibility we bear as pilots and for the daily contributions we make that make this company the success that it continues to be.”
Airline Industry News
Governmental and Regulatory
Less than 24 hours after a federal judge made permanent his ruling ordering mechanics at American Airlines to what he has called an illegal work slowdown that has caused tens of thousands of flight delays and cancellations this summer the airline’s management went back to court on Tuesday seeking a contempt of court ruling against those unions and their leaders.
FAA—citing non-specific “continued airworthiness activity”—reminded operators that angle-of-attack (AOA) sensors can be easily damaged during “normal operations,” and must be carefully maintained to ensure safe flight operations.
Airlines, Industry and Labor
Ryanair is facing further backlash from its Irish and UK pilots, after Irish union Fórsa walked out of pay negotiations and UK union BALPA accused the airline of adopting “bully boy tactics” to avert an Aug. 22 strike.
The protests sweeping Hong Kong have caused more fallout for Cathay Pacific Airways, with the airline’s CEO Rupert Hogg and chief customer and commercial officer Paul Loo resigning from the carrier. The Cathay board said it had accepted Hogg’s resignation, which will be effective Aug. 19.
Boeing plans to hire “a few hundred” temporary staffers at its Moses Lake, Washington, facility for work that must be done on stored 737 MAXs awaiting delivery to customers, the company said. The ramp-up at Moses Lake’s Grant County Airport, one of several places where Boeing is storing undelivered MAXs, will enable the company to handle all work required to get aircraft ready to return to service.
Miami International Airport (MIA) is set for an aggressive growth programme to boost its cargo throughput.
In June, the airport got the green light for a $5bn modernisation plan, and while the bulk of the funds are for passenger facility upgrades, the plan includes expanded aircraft parking positions and warehouses for cargo operations.
Metro-Dade Aviation Department, which runs the airport, is looking to add space in the western perimeter to expand the cargo area to allow the airport to reach its goal of handling over four million tons of cargo by 2040, nearly double the 2.3m tons that passed through MIA last year – an 80,000 ton gain over 2017.
In addition to wide- and narrowbody freighters joining the Amazon Air fleet, Prime Air drones may soon begin delivering Amazon purchases directly to customer doorsteps. Next in the series of the broader air cargo industry’s commercial drone saga, Amazon Prime Air submitted a petition to the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) yesterday that, if approved, would enable the carrier to conduct commercial delivery operations with its fixed-wing MK27 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones.
Teamsters SFO Stewards Sharpen Skills at Training
Nearly 50 United Airlines shop stewards gathered at the Teamsters 856 union hall in San Bruno on July 31 to receive trainings on a range of topics.
Stewards fine-tuned organizing skills, learned about conflict resolution, and the Family Medical Leave Act via trainings led by Local 856 Director of Organizing Chris Rosell and Attorneys Andrew Baker and Susan Garea from the Beeson Tayer & Bodine law firm. United Airlines SFO stewards were also able to connect and build solidarity with one another through critical discussions on what worker solidarity means amidst the growing local and national threats to workers’ rights and union power.
Nearly 50 United Airlines shop stewards gathered at the Teamsters 856 union hall in San Bruno on July 31 to receive trainings on a range of topics.
Stewards fine-tuned organizing skills, learned about conflict resolution, and the Family Medical Leave Act via trainings led by Local 856 Director of Organizing Chris Rosell and Attorneys Andrew Baker and Susan Garea from the Beeson Tayer & Bodine law firm. United Airlines SFO stewards were also able to connect and build solidarity with one another through critical discussions on what worker solidarity means amidst the growing local and national threats to workers’ rights and union power.
“Conflict resolution, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the California Family Rights Act were excellent training topics, being that they are right at the forefront of the members’ needs,” said Maurice McDonald, Teamsters SFO United Airlines steward. He continued, “The training helped to educate stewards, giving them the ability to better serve and protect members’ rights.”
“To all Local 856 airline shop stewards, we thank you for your participation, engagement, and continued dedication to union power,” said Peter Finn, Teamsters 856 Principal Officer.
Airline Division Week in Review -- August 3
The US Department of Transportation has approved a joint venture between American Airlines and Qantas, which will allow the two carriers to codeshare on certain routes and combine operations in certain airports. The carriers filed their initial application for a joint venture in 2016.
Boeing is working additional modifications on to the flight-control system software of the 737 MAX jets. The manufacturer decided for further changes when a new flaw was discovered in the software architecture of the 737 MAX's flight-control system in June during a simulator test that was run by the FAA.
Airline Industry News
Governmental and Regulatory
The US Department of Transportation has approved a joint venture between American Airlines and Qantas, which will allow the two carriers to codeshare on certain routes and combine operations in certain airports. The carriers filed their initial application for a joint venture in 2016.
Boeing is working additional modifications on to the flight-control system software of the 737 MAX jets. The manufacturer decided for further changes when a new flaw was discovered in the software architecture of the 737 MAX's flight-control system in June during a simulator test that was run by the FAA.
Airlines, Industry and Labor
Wisconsin-based startup Midwest Express has signed an operating agreement with regional carrier Elite Airways to begin nonstop service from Midwest’s home base at Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport.
Airbus has begun manufacturing the A220 aircraft at its Mobile, Alabama-based final assembly line, the company announced Aug. 5. The first team of A220 production workers began work in Mobile following their recent return from on-the-job training in Mirabel, Quebec, where the A220 program and primary final assembly line are based.
During its earnings call, Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings CEO William Flynn revealed that “revenue and earnings in the second quarter were below our expectations, as air cargo volumes and yields were affected in the near term by the widely reported impact of tariffs and trade tensions.”
American Airlines’ fleet of 28 MD-80s is nearing its final flying days. The airline plans to retire two of those in the second half of August and the remaining 26 will make their last revenue flight on either Sept. 3 or 4.
The first flight of the Boeing 777X is delayed until early 2020 due to a technical problem with the GE9X engines that will power the aircraft. Boeing announced the delay during the presentation of its quarterly results today, July 24. The company was initially planning to carry out the first flight of its new widebody jet in June.
Airline Division Week in Review -- July 27, 2019
PAMA Board Approves New Director Appointment
On July 9th the board of directors of PAMA (Professional Aviation Maintenance Association) approved the presidential appointment of a new director.
Chris Moore, who serves as the President of The Aviation Mechanics Coalition (TAMC) and will serve a two-year term. As founder of TAMC, Moore works tirelessly to advocate for aviation workplace safety and to promote the craft and the intrinsic value of aviation maintenance personnel.
PAMA Board Approves New Director Appointment
On July 9th the board of directors of PAMA (Professional Aviation Maintenance Association) approved the presidential appointment of a new director.
Chris Moore, who serves as the President of The Aviation Mechanics Coalition (TAMC) and will serve a two-year term. As founder of TAMC, Moore works tirelessly to advocate for aviation workplace safety and to promote the craft and the intrinsic value of aviation maintenance personnel.
Moore is an FAA-certificated mechanic with over 30 years airline experience. He is administering mechanic contracts, overseeing safety programs, and coordinating the Division’s License Protection Program. He is also deeply involved with industry coalitions seeking to find solutions to the current pilot and mechanic shortages.
“I could not be happier for Chris,” said Airline Division Director Captain David Bourne. “His focus on issues that impact not only aviation maintenance professionals, but our industry as a whole is incredible. Additionally, his work through the Teamsters Military Assistance Program, helps our nations troops transition from their military careers into the civilian sector by helping with professional credentialing assistance that converts their military training and licensing to civilian licensing and allows them to secure good paying jobs in the private sector. I congratulate PAMA on the outstanding choice and know Chris will serve with distinction,” he concluded.
Airline Industry News
Airlines, Industry and Labor
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings is leasing a new facility in Erlanger, Ky., near Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport. The facility is anticipated to launch in 2021, and job postings hint it will be a flight operation and dispatch center.
The chief executive of Boeing has said the manufacturer might consider slowing down or halting production of the 737 Max as the company reported a US$3.4 billion (£2.7 billion) loss due to the troubled aircraft model.
The pilots of the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA); the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA); including the Independent Pilots Association (IPA); and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 1224 today announced renewed efforts to achieve one level of safety for all-cargo pilots and issued collective support for legislation that would close this dangerous loophole and ensure that all airline pilots fly under the same safety standards. The Safe Skies Act, introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Richard Blumenthal (D- CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), would apply the same flight, duty, and rest rules to cargo flights as commercial airlines to prevent dangers posed by fatigued pilots.
Air and ocean forwarder Flexport filed a complaint against Western Global Airlines (WGA) in a U.S. District Court in New York, alleging that “service failures” led to the carrier’s inability to meet the contractual obligations of a three-year operational leasing agreement the two parties signed last year.
Preliminary results for June airport volumes worldwide are out, indicating continued market weakness across the globe, though this come as no surprise given continued tensions between China and the U.S. and looming Brexit concerns.
American Airlines’ cargo traffic fell 16.2% during the second quarter to 644 million cargo ton miles, or about 940 million freight tonne kilometers, leading to a 15.4% decline in cargo revenue, the company said this week during its earnings call.
Airline Division Week in Review- July 21, 2019
Airline Division Reaches Agreement in Principal with Air Canada
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has reached an agreement in principle with Air Canada, the largest passenger carrier in Canada. The agreement covers over 700 customer service representatives, reservation assistants, air cargo workers and other employees at the company’s U.S. base of operations.
Airline Division Reaches Agreement in Principle with Air Canada
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has reached an agreement in principle with Air Canada, the largest passenger carrier in Canada. The agreement covers over 700 customer service representatives, reservation assistants, air cargo workers and other employees at the company’s U.S. base of operations.
“I’m extremely proud of our members at Air Canada,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “These workers were engaged and united throughout the process of collective bargaining, and their hard work paid off in a big way.”
“I’d like to thank the negotiating committee for all of their hard work at the table,” said Bob Fisher, Airline Division International Representative. “Thanks to their diligent efforts, we were able to draft a collective bargaining agreement that improves compensation and working conditions for these workers while also ensuring that the company will maintain its status as the premier passenger carrier of Canada.”
Negotiations were completed less than two weeks after the agreement became amendable, an extremely quick turnaround for a union contract in the airline industry. The union will work with the company to finalize the agreement and determine the final contract language that will go to the membership. Details on the ratification vote will be forthcoming within the next two weeks.
Airline Industry News
Governmental and Regulatory
The city government of Lakeland, Florida, announced via Twitter that it moving forward is in its plans to rehabilitate an air cargo facility at Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) as part of its major lease agreement with Amazon. In the twitter statement, the government said that the runway rehabilitation project will be ready to open for bids by August.
Lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have introduced bipartisan legislation that would eliminate the federal cap on the passenger facility charge (PFC) that US airports use to finance infrastructure projects.
The US Department of Transportation announced $477 million in Airport Improvement Program grants for projects across the country. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said the grant is part of the overall $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program funding for airports across the US. In total, 276 grants to 264 airports in 44 states, the Pacific Islands and the District of Columbia were issued for projects including runway rehabilitation, terminal maintenance and the construction of firefighting facilities.
Airlines, Industry and Labor
Swiss forwarding giant Panalpina reported airfreight volumes up 5% year-over-year to 512,000 tonnes for the first half of 2019 as recent acquisitions began to boost turnover.
Boeing’s second-quarter earnings will include a $4.9 billion after-tax charge to cover some actual and estimated future expenses linked to the 737 MAX grounding, while a reduced production rate is driving up 737 costs and lowering margins, the company said July 18.
Airline Division Week in Review -- July 12, 2019
A bipartisan group of House lawmakers assembled on the lawn of the US Capitol July 10 alongside union officials representing pilots, flight attendants and technicians to announce legislation that would renew stalled efforts to target “flag of convenience” carriers.
The US Commerce Committee voted along party lines to advance Steve Dickson’s nomination to head the FAA, setting the stage for a showdown on the Senate floor over whistleblower allegations that surfaced recently regarding his tenure as Delta Air Lines SVP-flight operations.
Industry News Update
July 12, 2019
Governmental and Regulatory
A bipartisan group of House lawmakers assembled on the lawn of the US Capitol July 10 alongside union officials representing pilots, flight attendants and technicians to announce legislation that would renew stalled efforts to target “flag of convenience” carriers.
The US Commerce Committee voted along party lines to advance Steve Dickson’s nomination to head the FAA, setting the stage for a showdown on the Senate floor over whistleblower allegations that surfaced recently regarding his tenure as Delta Air Lines SVP-flight operations.
Four unions representing US aviation safety inspectors and mechanics wrote to Department of Transportation (DOT) secretary Elaine Chao urging the Department to implement three long-delayed Congressional directives intended to boost oversight of foreign repair stations that work on US aircraft.
US Department of State announced (24-Jun-2019) the US and UAE held their sixth economic policy dialogue on 20-Jun-2019, during which delegations from the countries discussed civil aviation matters. Both governments reaffirmed their support for the US-UAE air transport agreement (ATA) of 11-Mar-2012 and the understandings in the record of discussion between the governments of 11-May-2018.
Airlines, Industry and Labor
Atlas Air's William Flynn will retire from his role as CEO effective Jan. 1, 2020, and will become chairman of the board. The company also announced that current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John Dietrich will succeed Flynn as CEO. Current Board Chairman Robert Agnew, who will assume the role as the Board's Lead Independent Director in January, praised Flynn's 13 years of extraordinary leadership and expressed confidence that Dietrich is uniquely suited to ensure the company's continued success in the future.
U.S. airlines are rediscovering the rest of the world after years of ceding market share to rivals and international partners on overseas flights.
FedEx Corporation has announced that it has filed suit in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia seeking to enjoin the U.S. Department of Commerce from enforcing prohibitions contained in the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) against FedEx.
David Neeleman’s new airline, tentatively named “Moxy”, is due to receive its first Airbus A220-300 from GECAS in April 2021. The new carrier is planning to launch operations in May 2021.
A man has been ordered to pay Hawaiian Airlines more than $172,000 due to disruptive behavior that forced a flight bound for South Korea to return to Honolulu. The traveler was also sentenced to six months in jail for interfering with flight attendants and crew members.
American Airlines announced plans to retire its McDonnell Douglas MD-80 airplanes on Sept. 4 as a part of the company's ongoing fleet renovation. The airline has 26 planes still in service.
May/June Business Agents' Report
2019 National Safety Council Labor Division Spring meeting
Keri Martin, Mike Valladares and Ralph Ortiz attended the National Safety Council (NSC) Labor Division Spring meeting in Kansas City from April 28th to May 1st, 2019. The Labor Division of the NSC is comprised of labor unions that meet and discuss safety issues in various industries. 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.
2019 National Safety Council Labor Division Spring meeting
Pictured: Teamster Representatives at the NSC Labor Division Spring meeting
Left to Right: Mike Valladares - SFO Local 856/986, Keri Martin - SFO Local 865/986,
Vic Austin - Local 455, Ralph Ortiz - SFO Local 856/986, Joe Grabinski - Local 1150, Randy Dutertre - Local 1150, Mike Faschingbauer - Local 2727
Keri Martin, Mike Valladares and Ralph Ortiz attended the National Safety Council (NSC) Labor Division Spring meeting in Kansas City from April 28th to May 1st, 2019. The Labor Division of the NSC is comprised of labor unions that meet and discuss safety issues in various industries. 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.
During the four days of the Labor Division meeting, various committee meetings, education sessions, networking and Union caucuses were scheduled. On the Transportation committee, chaired by Ralph Ortiz, Safety & Health topics discussed included availability of chemical resistant gloves for use with Skydrol, concerns related to employees working alone or in isolated areas, aircraft tow tractors and other powered industrial trucks lacking a fall protection system, First Aid Kits that meet the ANSI standards, new hearing testing equipment being used by some Airlines, and fuel freeze testing labs that may lack proper safety protections.
At the IBT Caucus, they also met with Teamsters representatives from Local 1150 (Sikorsky) Local 2727 (UPS mechanics) and Local 455 (DEN - UA) and Local 781 (ORD) to discuss ongoing safety and health issues and challenges each representative is dealing with.
Educational sessions presented at the Labor Division meeting included:
◊ Social Media and Harassment: A Trade Perspective.
◊ How to effectively communicate safety & health to members.
◊ Communcating safety and health with young and new workers.
◊ Working with OSHA Labor Liaisons.
◊ Violence at work are safety hazards too.
Fed-OSHA labor liaisons from regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 &10 provided OSHA updates and current activities.
VEBA 2017 Arbitration Decision – What it means to you
As you have no doubt heard, the arbitrator ruled in our favor on the 2017 VEBA grievance. In sustaining the grievance, the arbitrator declared that, “The Company violated Article 16.G.2.d when it capped the VEBA contributions in 2017 by a total of 1560 hours per employee. Any employee who worked more than 1560 hours in 2017 between April 1st and December 31st, 2017 while in active employment will be made whole with respect to VEBA contributions.” What it means for you is exactly that. If your compensable hours for 2017 totaled more than 1560 between April 1st and December 31st, you are owed $1.20 per hour for every hour over 1560, up to a total of 2080 hours max. As an example, if you worked a lot of overtime and are owed for the full 2080 hours this will mean an additional contribution of 520 hours, at $1.20, or $624 to your VEBA account for the year 2017. As soon as we have any additional information on how the Company plans to implement the process to make our members whole, we will be sure to get that out to you.
MEALP/LUCA ISSUE
We were informed by the Company that those individuals working overtime in conjunction with their regular shift will no longer be afforded the ability to leave ½-hour early and receive pay in-lieu of taking a lunch, as is outlined in Article 17.E. The Company is claiming that this is due to the California meal period requirements under California Labor Code Section 512. Frankly, we do not agree with the Company’s assertion that that this section of the Labor Code should apply to overtime shifts covered by our CBA and we consider it to be more of an eTa programming issue. That being said, there are ongoing discussions related to the matter and we are hopeful that we can get an acceptable resolution as soon as possible.
In the meantime, however, if you are working a 4-over in conjunction with your regular shift and are not being allowed to leave ½-hr early using MealP you should insist on taking your full lunch 2 hours into the shift. If you are working 8-hour Hold Over Overtime in conjunction with your regular shift and are not being allowed to leave ½-hour early using MealP you should insist on taking a lunch after two hours and again after 6 hours of overtime. If any management person denies you any of your lunches, we want you to immediately contact your Shop Steward of Chief Steward.
2019 Scholarship Recipients attend May Craft Meeting
Several of this year’s scholarship recipients along with their proud parents attended the May Dayshift Craft meeting held on May 30th at Local 856 in San Bruno. Scholarship checks were presented by Local 856 Principal Officer Peter Finn and Local 986 Airline Division Coordinator Clacy Griswold. The meeting had a decidedly festive atmosphere thanks to their presence and we sincerely appreciate everyone coming out.
Raffle Drawings held at May Craft Meeting
We also held two prize drawings at the May Dayshift Craft Meeting for the Harry Beier Benefit Raffle and the Giants Ticket Raffle benefiting the TeamstersSFO Solidarity Fund. The winner of the Samsung 55-inch Flat Screen TV was Johnny Kong from SFORQ and the winner of the August 10th pair of Giants tickets was Kevin Grover from SFOGX. Thanks to all of you who participated.
Grievance Update
As stated previously, the arbitrator sustained our grievance for the cap on 2017 VEBA contributions. We are currently awaiting an arbitration decision on another grievance (EFS Bypass). We have two grievances at arbitration level that are on hold, pending decisions in related cases: one grievance (Line EFS Bypass) is on hold pending decision of above EFS Bypass case and one grievance (GSE Lead Pay) on hold pending the outcome of a similar grievance from Orlando.
We had an initial discussion with the Company regarding the SFO outsourcing grievances currently at arbitration level and will be scheduling additional discussions in the near future.
As for 3rd Step grievances, we received System Board decisions on the three grievances heard in late March. One grievance (Dock 3 Tool Crib) deadlocked (2 to 2 tie) and was immediately appealed to arbitration. One grievance (BAQ116 work by BAQ128 personnel) was remanded back to the parties for discussions/resolution. In the case of a grievance that is remanded back, the parties must make an attempt to find a resolution. If no resolution is reached, then the most likely outcome is a revision of the decision to reflect a ‘deadlock’ and appeal to arbitration immediately thereafter. One grievance was denied (VAC conversion for FMLA) and is now closed.
Additionally, we must make a correction related to the prior BA Report in April. In it, we stated that we were awaiting System Board decisions for four grievances. In fact, one grievance (progressive discipline) was settled by the Company just prior to the System Boards. This involved the Company providing an amended response to the initial grievance which was acceptable to the Union. Therefore, we were only awaiting decisions on the 3ea above grievances and not four as we previously stated.
As for the remaining 3rd Step grievances, we have our next System Boards scheduled at SFO on August 20th and 21st. We will be engaging Labor Relations in discussions for a potential docket later in July.
As always, if you have any questions about any of the information we have provided above, or about any specific grievance at 3rd Step or arbitration level, please feel free to stop by the Union office for a chat or contact your Shop Steward or Chief Steward.
Fourth of July Message from your Member Assistance Professionals
With the Fourth of July Holiday fast-approaching we felt is necessary to remind you all of the valuable resource that is at your disposal. Our TMAP (formerly EAP) Coordinators offer free confidential services to help out Teamster members and their families identify and resolve personal problems or concerns. They can assist you in developing a plan of action or refer you to appropriate licensed professionals. Some of the issues they can assist with include Alcohol/Drug dependency, Addictive Behaviors, Mental Health, Grief and Loss, Child/Teen Conduct, Domestic Violence, Elder Care, Trauma, and Relationship Concerns. They can also assist with Retirement questions, Workers Compensation, State Disability, FMLA, Reasonable Accommodation, and other state, federal, or Company Benefits. All of these services are free, voluntary, and confidential and cannot be discussed with anyone without written consent from you. If you have a problem or situation that you would like to discuss in private, please call: Steve Loone for MM/GX/PV/OV 650-745-5864 or Steve Crummey for Jet Shop/Backshops 650-745-5867
Labor History
July 6th, 1889 - Striking laborers employed by contractors on street and sewer improvements in Duluth, Minnesota, attempt to break through the police presence protecting scabs doing their work. The police opened fire and a gun battle ensued that resulted in the deaths of four workers and a bystander; many more were seriously wounded. The state militia was called in and drove the workers back with fixed bayonets. Strike leaders were arrested and the police who participated were given gold medals.
July 17th, 1944 - An explosion while loading munitions onto a cargo vessel at the military depot at Port Chicago, California, kills 320 and injures nearly 400 sailors (mostly African-American enlisted men who were part of a segregated unit) and civilians. Following the disaster, many of the surviving sailors refused to resume loading munitions, citing unsafe working conditions. Fifty men were convicted of mutiny and received 15-year sentences. It was the largest mass mutiny trial in U.S. history.
July 31st, 1999 - The Great Shipyard Strike of 1999 ends after steelworkers at Newport News Shipbuilding Inc. ratify a breakthrough agreement which nearly doubles pensions, increases security, ends inequality, and provides the highest wage increases in company and industry history to nearly 10,000 workers. The strike lasted over 16 weeks.
We must never forget!
Labor Quotes
So much of what we call management consists in making it difficult for people to work. - Peter Drucker
If hard work were such a wonderful thing, surely the rich would have kept it all to themselves. - Lane Kirkland
When a man tells you that he got rich through hard work, ask him whose.
Don Marquis
Our Commitment to Communication
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 Javier Lectora
Business Agent Business Agent
Local 986 Local 856
Airline Division Week in Review -- June 26, 2019
US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced on Monday $57.1 million in Federal Aviation Administration grants for Texas airports, including $23.2 million for Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and $2.6 million for Dallas Love Field Airport. "With improved transportation infrastructure in place ... the airports and communities can build a better quality of life, increase safety, move people and freight faster, and create more jobs and opportunities," Chao said.
US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced on Monday $57.1 million in Federal Aviation Administration grants for Texas airports, including $23.2 million for Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and $2.6 million for Dallas Love Field Airport. "With improved transportation infrastructure in place ... the airports and communities can build a better quality of life, increase safety, move people and freight faster, and create more jobs and opportunities," Chao said.
Amazon Air will begin flights to Anchorage International Airport (ANC) later this week, on June 27. According to a post ANC published on Twitter last week, Amazon Air will operate daily services to the airport utilizing its 767 freighter network.
Air Transport Services Group’s subsidiary carrier, ABX Air, has partnered with turboprop freighter operator Air Cargo Carriers under a program designed to allow the latter’s pilots to more easily enter ABX’s training class.
United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz talks about a variety of aviation topics, including financial stability, sustainability, cybersecurity and regulatory issues.
Shortly after FedEx announced it would not be renewing its express delivery contract with e-tail giant Amazon, Amazon signed an order for 15 additional narrowbody 737 freighters via lessor GECAS at the Paris Air Show today.
Salt Lake City's new airport set to open next year is a rarity as the first wholly new airport built in the US in over 20 years, writes Amanda Olson. Although the need for new construction is great, airports are usually redesigned instead of being rebuilt due to a wide range of challenges, including a lack of new land and the need to avoid congestion.
US Transportation Secretary announced a $65 million investment in Chicago's O'Hare Airport with part of it going to fund new runways. "The construction of runways will help Chicago maintain its status as one of the busiest in the world," Bailey Edwards of the Federal Aviation Administration said.
FedEx Corporation has announced that it has filed suit in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia seeking to enjoin the U.S. Department of Commerce from enforcing prohibitions contained in the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) against FedEx.
A new generation of plane-sized autonomous delivery vehicles is capable of carrying hundreds of pounds for hundreds of miles. They’re called cargo drones. They are fast, more environmentally friendly, and could completely change the cargo industry.
Teamsters Airline Division Prevails as Arbitrator Berger Sustains Health Reimbursement Account Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association Grievance!
Arbitrator Berger has found that United Airlines violated Article 16.G.2.d when it capped the Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) contributions in 2017 by a total of 1,560 hours per employee. Any employee who was working under active employment status during this time period shall be made whole with respect to VEBA contributions.
Arbitrator Berger has found that United Airlines violated Article 16.G.2.d when it capped the Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) contributions in 2017 by a total of 1,560 hours per employee. Any employee who was working under active employment status during this time period shall be made whole with respect to VEBA contributions.
Once all of the data and details are gathered regarding how and who shall receive payment, that information will be made available to each respective local. Please be patient as we are starting this process within the upcoming weeks under the guidance of our attorney Josh Mcinnerny.
Special thanks goes out to the Airline Division and their resources, along with Mcinnerny who presented an outstanding case with our expert witnesses: Economist Dan Akins, International Representative Bob Fisher and Local 986 Business Agent Clacy Griswold.
Thanks to all,
Vinny Graziano
National Coordinator, Airline Division
Teamsters Stand In Solidarity With IAM, TWU Workers At American Airlines
(WASHINGTON) – The following is a statement from Teamsters Airline Division Director Capt. David Bourne regarding American Airlines’ ongoing negotiations with the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM):
“American Airlines has accused the TWU and IAM of participating in an illegal work slowdown. The men and women of the IAM and TWU have been in contract negotiations with American Airlines management to keep the maintenance work from being sent offshore.
Company Needs to Keep Maintenance in Hands of Unionized Professionals
(WASHINGTON) – The following is a statement from Teamsters Airline Division Director Capt. David Bourne regarding American Airlines’ ongoing negotiations with the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM):
“American Airlines has accused the TWU and IAM of participating in an illegal work slowdown. The men and women of the IAM and TWU have been in contract negotiations with American Airlines management to keep the maintenance work from being sent offshore.
“The highly trained professionals at the IAM and TWU show their dedication each day as they put the safety of our passengers and crew first when doing their jobs. Sending aircraft maintenance overseas threatens the safety of workers and passengers. We support and stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of the IAM and TWU in their fight to secure a fair contract.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.
Airline Division Week in Review — May 31, 2019
This Tuesday, tune into our livestream of the Aircraft Maintenance Outsourcing Summit!
On June 4, TAMC Chairman Chris Moore will be speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. about the importance of fighting outsourcing in the airline industry. Moore will be joining trade unionists, aviation industry stakeholders and consumer advocates – including activist Ralph Nader – for a discussion on why airline maintenance outsourcing threatens oversight and safety in a way that is hazardous for both workers and passengers.
This Tuesday, tune into our livestream of the Aircraft Maintenance Outsourcing Summit!
On June 4, TAMC Chairman Chris Moore will be speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. about the importance of fighting outsourcing in the airline industry. Moore will be joining trade unionists, aviation industry stakeholders and consumer advocates – including activist Ralph Nader – for a discussion on why airline maintenance outsourcing threatens oversight and safety in a way that is hazardous for both workers and passengers.
The livestream will go from 9:00AM to 1:00PM on the Facebook pages for the Teamsters and the TAMC. For more information, please call the IBT Communications Department at (202) 624-6911 or e-mail mmcquaid@teamster.org.
2019 Teamsters 856/986 Scholarships Awarded
We celebrated the latest recipients of the Teamsters 856/986 Scholarships and the Bernie Fleischer Memorial Scholarship Award during yesterday’s day shift craft meeting.
We celebrated the latest recipients of the Teamsters 856/986 Scholarships and the Bernie Fleischer Memorial Scholarship Award during yesterday’s day shift craft meeting.
Local 856 Secretary-Treasurer Peter Finn and Local 986 Airline Division Coordinator Clacy Griswold presented the recipients in attendance with their scholarship and a certificate.
The recipients of the $1000 Teamsters 856/986 Scholarships are:
Dylan Lopez, Son of SFOMM Line Technician Jonathan Lopez
Paige Thrush, Daughter of Jet Shop Technician Ray Thrush
Riley Savage, Daughter of Airframe General Technician Brian Savage
Camille Starr, Daughter of Jet Shop Technicians Skip and Mary Starr
Lillysvette Joya-Campos, Daughter of Machinist Omar Joya
Lillian Crummey, Daughter of Technicians Steve and Debbie Crummey
Natalie Moresco, Daughter of Base Welder Paul Moresco
The recipient of the $2500 Bernie Fleischer Memorial Scholarship Award is:
Bryan Ngo, Son of Airframe R&E John Ngo
Congratulations to all these deserving students and their proud parents!
Find more information about available scholarships at www.sfoteamsters.com/scholarships.
March/April Business Agents' Report
For Workers Memorial Day, April 28th, a Statement from Mr. Hoffa
In the United States, Canada, and many other countries, Workers’ Memorial Day is when we remember and honor our fallen brothers and sisters in the labor movement. It is a time to look back and mourn for workers killed and injured on the job, as well as a time to look ahead and rededicate ourselves to the fight for safe workplaces.
For Workers Memorial Day, April 28th, a Statement from Mr. Hoffa
In the United States, Canada, and many other countries, Workers’ Memorial Day is when we remember and honor our fallen brothers and sisters in the labor movement. It is a time to look back and mourn for workers killed and injured on the job, as well as a time to look ahead and rededicate ourselves to the fight for safe workplaces.
Last year, many working men and women throughout the United States and Canada, including Teamsters, were killed and injured on the job due to unsafe conditions. On behalf of all 1.4 million Teamsters, I ask that each of you take a few minutes to remember these workers.
Forty-nine years ago, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), promising every worker the right to a safe job. Decades of struggle by workers and their unions resulted in significant improvements in working conditions. Unions won regulations, standards and other protections that have made workplaces safer for all workers. Union contracts have also given workers a voice on the job.
The toll of workplace injury, illness and death remains enormous. Some Teamsters within the union’s 22 trade divisions and conferences, both in the private and public sectors, are particularly at risk, suffering very high rates of job injuries and fatalities. Roadway incidents continue to be the leading cause of on-the-job fatalities and truck drivers suffer more on-the-job fatalities than any other individual occupation. Ergonomic hazards cripple and injure hundreds of thousands of workers every year and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) occur in one out of three (31%) injury and illness cases requiring days away from work in 2017, without corresponding standards to prevent them. Many people have no union protections, like the workers at XPO from California to Florida to New York who are demanding that XPO respect their rights. Among them are many Hispanic and immigrant workers, who often work in the most dangerous jobs, are exploited by employers, and often are afraid to speak out. Many public sector workers also have no OSHA protection. Hundreds of workers are fired or harassed by their employers each year simply for voicing job-safety concerns or reporting injuries. Although there are dozens of whistleblower protection and anti-retaliation laws on the books, some are simply too weak and others are just not aggressively enforced due to insufficient funding of the regulatory agencies charged with enforcement. As such, whistleblower and anti-retaliation provisions are not adequately protecting workers who try to exercise their legal rights to speak out on workplace safety issues. In a policy memo1, OSHA instructed its inspectors to start investigating—and in many cases, to cite employers for violations—when the inspectors find practices that discourage workers from reporting injuries.
On this Workers’ Memorial Day, we need to join hands to seek stronger safety and health protections and better standards and enforcement. To quote Mother Jones, a small woman but a giant in the American labor movement, “Mourn for the dead and fight like hell for the living!”
Samsung 55-inch Flat Screen TV Raffle
The TeamstersSFO Committee is currently selling raffle tickets for a Samsung 55” Flat Screen. All proceeds will go towards helping member Harry Beier and his family, who find themselves in a time of great need right now. The tickets are selling for $10 each or 3 for $20. You can purchase tickets by contacting your Shop Steward or Chief Steward. The raffle ticket drawing will be held at the Dayshift Craft Meeting at 3pm on May 30th at Teamsters Local 856. You need not be present to win.
Giants Tickets Raffle
The TeamstersSFO Committee is also currently raffling off a super-sweet pair of tickets right behind home plate for the San Francisco Giants versus the Philadelphia Phillies on August 10th, 2019, at Oracle Park in San Francisco. All proceeds will go to the Solidarity Fund. The raffle tickets are selling for $10 each or 3 for $20. Again, you can purchase tickets by contacting your Shop Steward or Chief Steward. The drawing will be held at the dayshift Craft Meeting at 3pm on May 30th, 2019, at Teamsters Local 856. Again, you need not be present to win. We would like to give a very special thanks to Pete Poncia, a Technician in the Landing Gear Shop, and a great Union Brother, for kindly donating these tickets!
2019 Teamsters 856/986 Scholarship Recipients
We would like to send out congratulations to all the recipients of the Teamsters 856/986 Scholarship awards for 2019.
The recipients of the $1000 Teamsters 856/986 Scholarships are:
Dylan Lopez, Son of SFOMM Line Technician Jonathan Lopez
Paige Thrush, Daughter of Jet Shop Technician Ray Thrush
Riley Savage, Daughter of Airframe General Technician Brian Savage
Camille Starr, Daughter of Jet Shop Technicians Skip and Mary Starr
Lillysvette Joya-Campos, Daughter of Machinist Omar Joya
Lillian Crummey, Daughter of Technicians Steve and Debbie Crummey
Natalie Moresco, Daughter of Base Welder Paul Moresco
The recipient of the $2500 Bernie Fleischer Memorial Scholarship Award is Bryan Ngo, Son of Airframe R&E John Ngo
Congratulations to all these deserving students and their proud parents!
California Teamsters Hispanic Caucus Scholarship
The window is still open to apply for the 2019 Hispanic Caucus Scholarship. This scholarship is open to deserving High School Seniors graduating this year who are a daughter/son of an active Teamster whose dues are current with his/her Local Union and are attending or have been accepted by an accredited University, College, or Trade School. Please see your Shop Steward or Chief Steward to get an application. The application deadline is Friday, June 28th, 2019.
Go buy Technician Brian Tripp’s New Book ‘Briansride’
Briansride is the new book by Airframe R&E Brian Tripp. It chronicles his amazing adventure riding around the world on an old bike back in 2008. Brian has always had a great sense of humor and you will definitely laugh out loud more than a few times reading his book. But you will also come away with a true sense of how defining this experience was in Brian’s life and of just how vast our world is and of how little we all know outside of our own little corner of it. It is a great read, folks. Go buy now. Congratulations Brian!
Grievance Update
We finally got the decision on the MealP grievance. Unfortunately, the Arbitrator ruled against us and denied the grievance. That means that the status quo will continue when it comes to the paid lunches on a 2nd Shift. If you work a second shift during the week, you will continue to get paid meal periods per Article 17.E. If you work a second overtime shift on your RDO, you not receive the paid meal periods.
Our attorney for the HRA/RHA 2017 grievance has informed us that the briefs have been submitted by each sides counsel to the Arbitrator for consideration. The purpose of the briefs is to outline each sides argument in the case based on the testimony offered at the Arbitration hearing. It is customary for the decision to be rendered within 60-90 days from this point. We will let you know when we get the decision.
We are still awaiting decisions for the four grievances (Dock 3 Tool Crib, Progressive Discipline, BAQ116 work by BAQ128 Technicians, VAC conversion for FMLA usage) that were heard on March 26th and 27th. System Board hearings were scheduled for May 14th and May 15th. Beginning several weeks ago, the Union and the Company engaged in discussions regarding the seven grievances that the Union identified for disposition.
The Union agreed to the Company request to push one grievance (Improper premium pay) out to August System Boards while the parties work towards an acceptable resolution. The grievance will be heard in August if there is no agreement beforehand.
The Company settled one grievance (Improper adjusted pay).
Two grievances (Improper I-time hours and Deferred holiday hours) were put on hold pending System Board decisions at other locations in the system.
Two grievances [Kincare 2017 (Not the current Kincare grievance that are on hold pending investigation by the State of California. This was a grievance to convert 2017 N-Time to Kincare) and Incentive program] were withdrawn by the Union.
The discussions on the last grievance (Vacation allocation calculation) continue and it was agreed to schedule another call on the matter. Ultimately, it was agreed that because we had only one remaining grievance of the original seven we identified and we were still discussing resolution, we would cancel the May System Boards. There is a 15-day requirement to disclose exhibits prior to a System Board hearing and there is simply no time left to identify and pursue other grievances this close to the scheduled date.
If you ever have any questions about the grievance process or a specific grievance, please fell free to stop by the Union office for a visit or contact your Shop Steward or Chief Steward.
Our Commitment to Communication
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 Javier Lectora
Business Agent Business Agent
Local 986 Local 856
Airline Division Week in Review — April 19, 2019
Airline Division Participates in SciFest SoCal
Students from all over Southern California participated in the first ever Clippers SoCal SciFest sponsored by USA Science and Engineering. While on a smaller scale than the Washington DC Festival there was no lack of enthusiasm on the part of the Students their Parents or the Exhibitors. The event attracted approximately 40,000 to the LA convention center over the weekend.
Airline Division Participates in SciFest SoCal
Students from all over Southern California participated in the first ever Clippers SoCal SciFest sponsored by USA Science and Engineering. While on a smaller scale than the Washington DC Festival there was no lack of enthusiasm on the part of the Students their Parents or the Exhibitors. The event attracted approximately 40,000 to the LA convention center over the weekend.
The Festival kicked off with Sneak Peak Friday, a day for school groups only. Thousands of students and teachers stopped by the Airline Division Exhibit to learn about careers in Aviation. The kids were able to watch a time lapsed video of a 777 Engine Change, interact with aircraft parts and test equipment, build Teamster model airplanes and speak one on one with Pilots and Mechanics. The students heard first hand what it takes to get a Pilot or Mechanics License and how studying Math and Science while in school will help them achieve that goal.
Saturday’s event was open to the public and drew even more students and families than originally anticipated. A new video loop including a 747 landing gear swing, tire and break changes, CFM-56 engine operation animation and 787 avionics was added, the students and parents were fascinated, many exclaiming “I had no idea”. At one point the entire booth turned into an Airplane Building Station with Teamster Pilots and Mechanics helping the kids build their airplanes while discussing careers, schooling requirements, cost of getting a license, wages and the huge demand now and into the future for Pilots and Mechanics.
On hand for the inaugural event were Airline Division Director and Deputy Director Captain David Bourne and Allynn Allen. AD MX Representatives and TAMC Board members Bob Fisher and Chris Moore and Atlas Air 747 Captains Daniel Wells and Anna Eivor Ivarsson.
“These events are so important as we build our outreach program," said Capt. David Bourne. "Students need the one on one conversations with folks who fly and fix aircraft in order to help them choose a career in Aviation.”
As part of our growing Teamsters Outreach program, Captain Bourne commissioned the Expo Booth which enhances our ability to demonstrate through video and other means the many Teamster aviation careers that exist. We will be using the booth at events from coast to coast to bring more visibility to the Teamsters Airline Division, TAMC and the need for future Pilots and Mechanics.
(L to R) International Representative Bob Fisher, Airline Division Director Captain David Bourne, Assistant Division Director Allynn Allen, TAMC Chairman Chris Moore and Atlas Air 747 Captains Anna Eivor Ivarsson and Daniel Wells at the SciFest SoCal.
Captain Ivarsson helping one of the hundreds of students who visited the booth assemble one of the handouts.
Allegiant Air Technicians and Related Negotiations Update
The Allegiant Air Technicians and Related Negotiating Committee met with the Company on April 2nd through 4th at Allegiant Headquarters. The Union and the Company made passes and worked on Articles 12 – (Training), 19- (Grievance Procedure), 20- (Board of Arbitration), 23- (Management Rights) and 24- (Labor-Management Cooperation).
A Tentative Agreement was reached on Article 12- (Training) as well a Protocol Agreement.
The next negotiations meeting is scheduled for the week of May 14th.
Airline Industry News
FedEx chairman and CEO Fred Smith has joined with the CEOs of Atlas Air Worldwide and JetBlue Airways to strongly rebuke an open letter to US President Donald Trump from the CEOs of American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines claiming that Qatar Airways’ stake in Air Italy breaches the US-Qatar Open Skies agreement.
An FAA update of minimum training required for pilots to fly the Boeing 737 MAX will cover the aircraft’s maneuvering characteristics augmentation system (MCAS), but simulator sessions will not be needed, a draft of a new report reveals.
FAA's proposed expansion of rules that aviation maintenance technician schools (AMTS) must follow to train mechanics will not please those in the industry who were hoping for more flexibility and less bureaucracy.
FAA is targeting late May or early June for approving Boeing’s proposed changes to the 737 MAX and issuing an airworthiness directive that would mandate the upgrades and clear the way for US MAX operations to resume, the agency told airline representatives April 12.
Teamsters Aviation Mechanics Coalition Newsletter
April 2019 | Volume 10, Issue 1
Check out the Spring 2019 edition of the TAMC Newsletter! In this edition: the Clippers SoCal Science Festival, the Aero Engines Americas Conference, The Airline Division's presence at the 2019 US Chamber of Commerce Aviation Summit and much more!
April 2019 | Volume 10, Issue 1
Check out the Spring 2019 edition of the TAMC Newsletter! In this edition: the Clippers SoCal Science Festival, the Aero Engines Americas Conference, The Airline Division's presence at the 2019 US Chamber of Commerce Aviation Summit and much more!
United Airlines mechanic becomes an inventor after losing his sight
“I decided not to look back, but to move forward,” said Jimmy Uharriet. Jimmy is a Teamsters SFO mechanic at United Airlines.
In March 2016, Jimmy’s entire life changed when an accident left him totally blind.
What’s interesting about Jimmy is that his is not just a story about a person overcoming incredible odds to get back on his feet and return to work, but also a story of an individual who took his new circumstance and turned it into something lifechanging for so many others
“I decided not to look back, but to move forward,” said Jimmy Uharriet. Jimmy is a Teamsters SFO mechanic at United Airlines.
In March 2016, Jimmy’s entire life changed when an accident left him totally blind.
What’s interesting about Jimmy is that his is not just a story about a person overcoming incredible odds to get back on his feet and return to work, but also a story of an individual who took his new circumstance and turned it into something lifechanging for so many others.
“I had to be retaught everything,” said Jimmy. “There was a point when I wanted to give up, but I decided success was my only option, failure was not.”
Jimmy credits his family and friends for reminding him that he was still alive and he was still the same person he was before he lost his sight.
In September 2016, Jimmy went to the Vista Center — a nonprofit that among other things, teaches blind or visually impaired individuals orientation and mobility skills. Jimmy says staff at the Vista Center noticed how motivated he was to relearn and regain his independence and put him in contact with Project Invent at the Nueva School — a private school in San Mateo.
Part of the goal of Project Invent is to help high school students invent technologies to solve real-world problems. Students at the Nueva School wanted to develop a belt that would help prevent blind people from veering — an issue Jimmy understood very well.
“I used to walk to my local grocery store and barber shop, which were three blocks away from my house,” explained Jimmy. “I want to be independent, but as a blind person I can’t walk a straight line and doctors say veering can’t be fixed.”
Jimmy worked with the students at the Vista Center to create a prototype of the Stria Belt.
“There’s a zipper on the belt with motors on each side that vibrate,” Jimmy continued. “I switch the belt on and the two motors vibrate and set the straight pattern. The second I begin to veer, the belt vibrates on one side until I stop veering.”
Click here to watch a video about how the Stria Belt works.
After their success at the Nueva School, Jimmy worked with Project Invent founder, Connie Lu, at a camp for students at East Palo Alto Academy. Jimmy talked to the kids about the problems he had with his walking stick and they all got to work.
Together, they developed a prototype of a walking stick that uses flashing LED lights, tactile feedback, and shock absorbance to help users navigate safely and painlessly.
“I take everything as a blessing,” said Jimmy. “The Stria Belt won the top prize at South by Southwest’s Student Startup competition and Project Invent is now in eight states and over 16 countries.”
“Everything happened to me for a reason and I think that reason was Project Invent,” he continued.
On top of helping students develop award-winning technologies that will improve the lives of people with disabilities, Jimmy was also focused on getting back to work.
“There was a point in time when I was bedridden that I would wake up and rip everything off and say I needed to get to work,” he said.
The Teamsters Member Assistance Program (TMAP) offers United Airlines Teamsters with help when they need assistance with issues like getting back to work after an injury or illness.
“Our TMAP team communicated at different times with United to make sure the company was willing to go forward with getting Jimmy back to work,” said TMAP Coordinator Steve Loone. “We were there to be cheerleaders for Jimmy.”
The Teamsters contract with United Airlines provided Jimmy time to prove he could perform his work as a mechanic.
“I did the evaluation and even shocked myself,” said Jimmy who was able to return to work last June. “If you’d asked me a year and a half ago if I thought I’d be back at work, I would have said no.”
Before losing his sight, Jimmy worked on jet bridges, ground power, and locksmith work. “Now I do benchwork,” he explained. “I am brought electric motors, clutch brakes, and gearbox reducers for the back system to rebuild and overhaul.”
For Jimmy, transitioning to this new phase in his life has been about not allowing the smallest or the biggest things to bring him down. “I know this won’t be my hardest battle,” he said about being blind. “I also know I want to build something that will last forever. I think that’s why I’m here.”
Jimmy wanted to give a special thank you to the people who have helped him since he lost his sight: his parents, his brothers, and the surgeons to which he owes his life; Valerie Campos who trained him on using his walking stick; Cathy Abbott, Bill Quirke, Jeff Sanchez, Ed Tanaupol, Andrea Charles, and everyone in his department at United Airlines; and all of his friends and union family. Teamsters 856/986 shop stewards, Greg Sullivan and Steve Loone also advocated tirelessly on Jimmy’s behalf.