Mechanics' Dispatch

Technicians Update

April 22, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,

I've asked for a report from the Airline Division’s Senior Transportation Analyst, Kyle Schoembs, on the financial situation at United Airlines given the dire outlook communicated by the company recently. The following is what he has concluded;

On April 20th, United Airlines (UAL) filed preliminary first quarter results with the SEC that showed a pre-tax net loss of $2.1 billion. On an adjusted basis, which strips out special onetime charges, UAL reports a loss of $1.0 billion. Total revenue for the quarter was $8.0 billion, a 17% decrease from first quarter 2019.

As of April 16th, UAL had $6.3 billion in cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and undrawn amounts, including $2 billion under its undrawn revolving credit facility. 

Going forward, UAL will receive $5.0 billion in loans and grants from the CARES Act. Of the $5.0 billon, roughly $3.5 billion will be direct grants, and the remaining $1.5 billion will be a ten-year low interest loans, with interest rates of 1.0% in years one through five and 2.0% in years six through ten. Additionally, under the CARES Act, UAL expects to have the ability through September 30, 2020 to borrow another $4.5 billion from the U.S. Treasury Department for a term of up to five years.

In April, UAL has cut approximately 80% of its capacity and currently expects to cut 90% of its capacity for May and June. UAL plans to proactively evaluate and cancel flights on a rolling 60-day basis until it sees signs of a recovery in demand.

It is expected that UAL will submit a more detailed SEC filing of the first quarter results on April 28th. After we review that information, we will update the membership to the contents of that document.

We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you apprised of changes as they occur.

In Solidarity,

Vincent Graziano

Airline Division Representative

Intl., Brotherhood of Teamsters

TAMC Newsletter -- COVID-19 Edition

Click here to read the TAMC Newsletter — COViD-19 Edition.

Aviation Labor Letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary on Payroll Grants

Please see the letter linked here from aviation unions, including the Teamsters, to U.S. Treasury Secretary Mnunchin inquiring about the timeline of payroll grants to aviation workers.

Airline Division Week in Review -- April 10

We are surrounded by the uncertainties of current national and world events due to the COVID virus.

Because of the fast pace of changes currently in our industry; in many cases hour by hour, the normal publishing of The Week In Review has been placed on hold. We encourage you to remain in close contact with your individual Local, Shop Stewards and Committee representatives as we all navigate this crisis.

We also want to recognize so many of our fellow brothers and sisters who are volunteering across the nation.

As we celebrate Passover, Good Friday and Easter, we encourage each of you to remain vigilant, take the care to be safe and follow best practices and take care of your families.

On behalf of each of us in the Airline Division, our very best wishes for a Happy Easter and Happy Passover

Joint Union Letter to the US Treasury Secretary on the CARES Act

Please click here to read the Joint Union Letter to the US Treasury Secretary on the CARES Act.

March Business Agents' Report

COVID-19 Update

The last few months have been historic in terms of the impact the COVID-19 Pandemic has had on all of our lives. Things have changed dramatically for all of us and we are all now living with a tremendous amount of fear and anxiety. We all have seen the modeling which predicts that things will get much worse before they get better. Therefore, it is extremely important that everyone take seriously the CDC guidelines being circulated in order to help slow the spread of this virus.

First and foremost, this means that if you are sick, you need to stay home. Your health and that of your family needs to be the primary focus and not superficial collateral issues like the attendance policy, etc. Additionally, if you are compromised in any way in terms of potential exposure to COVID-19 it is essential that you take any time off necessary to mitigate the risk. If you have any issues arranging for time off or returning from time off, please reach out to your local Union Representative.

The IBT Safety and Health Department has published Fact Sheet for Airline Workers that is a must read for all. You can access it by going to the TeamstersSFO website and clicking on Coronavirus Updates. This page also has a direct link to the IBT Safety and Health COVID-19 Resource page as well as various links to web pages related to the CDC best practices concerning personal hygiene, hand washing, respiratory etiquette and social distancing. 

The TeamstersSFO Committee remains engaged with the Company at various levels in order to determine the requirements under the law that UAL has in terms of notification to employees regarding any potential COVID-19 exposure in the workplace. We understand that this a major concern for our folks and we are working diligently to address those concerns. However, please be careful not to spread rumors and innuendo. That does nothing but increase stress on yourselves and your coworkers. Please remember that it is ultimately the CDC that is calling the shots on these response-related issues and we have to trust that these professionals know what they are doing.

One last word about stress. If you find yourself having a hard time dealing with anxiety, stress, depression or other related issues, please do not hesitate to reach out to your local TMAP representative for a confidential conversation. Steve Loone (MM/Airframe) can be reached at Cell: (650) 745-5864 Work: 650-874-2619 and Steve Crummey (Back Shops/Jet Shop) can be reached at Cell: (650) 745-5867 Work: 650-874-3006

Going forward, we will be sure to send out any new information we receive as we get it so be sure to get signed up on the TeamstersSFO website for email updates.

John Johnson Appointed TeamstersSFO Grievance Secretary

Longtime Shop Steward John Johnson has been appointed interim Grievance Secretary to replace Mark Gabriel, who retired as of April 1st. Anyone who has worked with John knows that has a reputation for leadership, tenacity and attention to detail. We are grateful that he accepted this new challenge and we are certain that his superb skill set will serve the membership well. We look forward to working with him.

We would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the retiring Grievance Secretary Mark Gabriel for his many years of service to the membership. Our first memories of working with Mark date back to the Oakland days in the early 90's where Mark first developed his reputation as someone who had expert knowledge of the contract and who could always be counted to serve it up straight with no BS. Mark also never hesitated when it was time to take on the company and over the years many of our members have benefitted from the resolve and diligence he showed when working an issue or grievance.

We are privileged to have had the opportunity to work with him and we hope that he enjoys a long and joyful retirement.

Congratulations Mark! You earned it, Brother!

California Teamsters Hispanic Caucus Scholarship

The window is now open to apply for the 2020 California Teamsters 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. For more information or to apply please go to the TeamstersSFO website and click on the Scholarship tab under the Member Resources header. The application deadline is Friday, June 5th, 2020.

New IBT Airline Division Grievance Tracking System is Live

The IBT Airline Division Grievance Tracking System is an automated, internet-based and complete solution for storing, printing, processing and tracking of all Airline Division grievances as well as providing automatic e-mail notifications and comprehensive but secure search capability of the entire grievance database. It is designed to enable the Union to capture every piece of information about each grievance, so that all records will be complete and organized and so that anyone else involved with the grievance process will need no other source of information. The old paper grievances will now no longer be used. Please see your Shop Steward for more information.

This Month's Quote

“We will come out of this storm. In the coming days, we have to stay calm and confident. And for sure, we will overcome this moment of despair. How long this will last cannot be ascertained. But the one thing that we can be sure of is that we will not be the same anymore. Hopefully, we would have changed for the better. This is the way of life. This is how life teaches us its lessons." - Avijeet Das

Please Stay Safe Folks!

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

Click here to view a printable version of this report.

Letter from Airline Division to U.S. Treasury Secretary

I am writing to you on behalf of the more than 85,000 Teamsters working in aviation. Earlier this week, the President noted in a tweet the efforts of Teamster-represented Atlas pilots, who are flying tons of medical supplies to the places that most need them. Last week, America’s aviation workers won a huge victory in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 (CARES Act) that should be the model for how we deal with the entire economic crisis caused by COVID-19. Under the provisions that the Teamsters and other unions fought to have included, the federal government will pay the wages, salaries, and benefits of more than two million airline and airport workers, most of whom were facing layoffs or furloughs due to the near total collapse of air travel in this country.

Please click here to read the full letter from the Airline Division to the U.S. Treasury Secretary.

Treasury Guidance on Payroll Support to Aid Airline Industry Employees, And on Loans to the Airline Industry

Please click here to see important information regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act and the Airline Industry.

A Message from Teamsters Airline Division Director Capt. David Bourne:

Congressional leadership has produced a historic $2 trillion stimulus bill that provides significant relief to aviation workers. The 96 Senators who were present for the vote supported the legislation unanimously; it was voted into law by the House of Representatives earlier today and is expected to be signed into law by the President. 

I’d like to extend my deepest thanks to all of those who have contacted members of Congress regarding this legislation. Your rapid mobilization this week to communicate our needs to elected officials in Washington made the difference for every pilot, mechanic, attendant and every other worker in the airline industry. Thanks to you, we live to fight another day. 

The stimulus bill contains $61 billion for the airline industry, including $32 billion in grants and $29 billion of loans, plus $10 billion in grants for airports. Once it becomes law, the legislation will help maintain our aviation infrastructure and protect our jobs for the next six months as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than passing a carte-blanche handout to executives and shareholders, Congress placed a number of pro-worker conditions on the extension of federal funds, including the following guarantees: 

• $32 billion in aviation grants are statutorily required to be used on workers. Any airline receiving grants from the federal government must use these funds exclusively on worker wages and benefits. This will allow carriers and other companies to their payroll in the immediate future and prevent any new furloughs or layoffs. 

• Any airline or aviation company receiving grant funding cannot conduct involuntary furloughs or reduce pay rates and benefits from the time they receive the grant through September 30, 2020. 

• Recipients cannot engage in stock buybacks or pay dividends until September 30, 2021. 

• The federal government cannot condition any grants or loans on the renegotiation of collective bargaining agreements in order to reduce employee pay or benefits. For grants, this protection is in effect through September 30, 2020. For loans, this protection is in effect until one year after the loan is paid. 

• Grant recipients cannot increase the pay or severance of high-paid executives ($425,000+) for a two-year period beginning on March 24, 2020. This does not apply to any worker in a bargaining unit. 

• Within 5 days of passage, the government will create a process by which carriers can apply for grants and must begin doling out money within ten days. 

• Companies may defer contributions to single-employer pension plans until January 1, 2021 but are still responsible for making any and all contributions that have already been negotiated. Employers must also pay interest on deferred contributions. 

Thank you again for your hard work, perseverance, and solidarity during what is an extremely trying and uncertain time. In spite of the challenges being thrown our way, we are rising above and demonstrating our collective power. This crisis is far from over, but if we continue to advocate tirelessly both for ourselves and for one another, we shall persevere. 

With Highest Regards, 

Capt. David Bourne 
Director, Teamsters Airline Division 

James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund

Due to the National Emergency, the deadline for applying for the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Program this year has been extended to April 14, 2020.

The sons, daughters and financial dependents of Teamster members in the US and Canada (including GCC, BLET and BMWED) who are seniors in high school are eligible to apply. The Fund awards academic scholarships from $1,000 to $10,000 and training program/vocational scholarships from $500 to $2,000. 

Please review all the application requirements: www.JRHMSF.org

Mechanics Dispatch - Special Update -- March 25, 2020

SPECIAL UPDATE
March 25th, 2020

COVID-19 Fatality in Newark 

Brothers and Sisters, 

It was confirmed that Brother Carlos Consuegra from the IAM passed away yesterday from complications of COVID-19. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. 

My recommendations to those that worked near him, or with anyone else that has tested positive, are as follows. If you had direct contact within the last 14 days, please self-quarantine. If you are feeling ill, please self-quarantine. If you have an underlying condition such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease please self-quarantine.  

Now is not the time to be a hero and report to work sick. Infecting others and potentially spreading this disease will kill our more compromised members. 

If you have no sick time left, we'll try to help you out when this situation is contained. There are also services that can help through EAP. To be clear however, it is better to take off a few days with no pay than to die or potentially kill others.

Sincerely, 

Vincent Graziano
Airline Division Representative
International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Airline Division Special Update

Friday, March 20, 2020

To All Of My Fellow Teamster Members In The Airline Industry:

Our country is currently gripped by a pandemic the likes of which nobody has ever seen in our lifetimes, causing our entire society to be at a standstill. The crisis caused by the Coronavirus (COVID – 19) is one that promises to have a pronounced impact throughout all sectors of the economy, but particularly in the field of aviation. During this time most if not all of us in the industry are worried about what the future holds, so with that in mind I’d like to provide you with some information regarding what our union has been doing to ensure that our interests are protected in any legislation that is being or has been drafted to address the impact of COVID – 19: 

The Federal government’s response is extremely fluid at this point and some of it is moving very quickly, but we are fully engaged with decision-makers and coalition allies to make sure the needs of Teamster families are addressed. We have both proactively reached out to and been contacted by Congressional leadership in the Senate and the committees tasked with writing the next iteration of assistance packages. Our union has offered initial suggestions with the guidance of the Airline Division, the guidance of the other IBT Division Directors and the IBT Safety and Health Department.

At this point two pieces of legislation have been passed by Congress to address the pandemic. The first is an emergency supplemental funding bill which the President signed on March 2. The second is a more comprehensive economic stimulus and support package called The Families First Coronavirus Response Act - H.R. 6201. The emergency supplemental bill included $8.3 billion in total funding, mostly geared towards addressing immediate public health concerns and loans to affected small businesses. The Families First Act strengthens unemployment insurance with $1 billion in emergency grants to states for processing and paying unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. It also requires states to take steps to temporarily ease eligibility requirements that might be limiting access to UI during the COVID-19 outbreak. A third and more comprehensive support package is already in the works and there will also be legislation to provide direct assistance to hard hit industries and financial markets. 

We have been told that the White House is working with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin on an $850 billion stimulus that will include significant support for the airline industry at a minimum, but likely other hard-hit industries as well. Our understanding is that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D – NY) is already in negotiations on this with the White House, and our union’s legislative staff has conveyed to Senator Schumer’s office where the airline industry and other Teamster-represented industries require relief. We are pushing for assistance whether it be in this package or another anticipated bill. In all of our legislative efforts the Teamsters have conveyed to lawmakers and the White House that it is imperative for any and all economic relief to address the needs of workers before addressing the needs of executives and shareholders. 

As of this writing - Friday, March 20, 2o20 - there have been no lay-offs of our membership in the airline industry. In the Airline Division’s conversations with our employers, they have told us that they have also been in contact with lawmakers, and they are optimistic that the legislation passed by congress will address the most significant impacts of COVID – 19. They have also expressed their belief that any revenue shortfalls our companies experience will be much more short-lived compared to the economic downturns that the airline industry has experienced in the recent past.

The Federal Government’s response is constantly evolving and moving quickly, but we are doing everything we can to convey our union’s needs to elected officials. That being said, members of Congress need to hear from you; please take one minute to send them a message at this link so they know that lawmakers need to pass an airline relief package that puts people first.

I want everyone to know that were doing everything we can to shape these relief bills to make sure that they help Teamster families. We’ve been through challenging times in the past, and I’m confident that with the continued strength and unity of Teamster Power, we will weather this storm as well.


In Solidarity,


Capt. David Bourne
Director, Teamsters Airline Division

UAL Mechanics Dispatch SPECIAL - March 20, 2020

Special Update
March 20, 2020

Dear United Airlines Brothers and Sisters,

Recently an email from a mechanic in Newark was disseminated system wide that gave an inaccurate overall picture of what has been transpiring. This situation is changing rapidly. I want to be clear; the most accurate and concise updates will come in the form of the Mechanics Dispatch to all members. 

While the airline industry bailout is starting to take shape, no one can predict what the final package will entail. With the current cash burn each airline is experiencing right now, most of them will need assistance just to survive. As in each legislative matter affecting airline employees, the IBT is continuing to lobby on your behalf for this relief. A joint Labor/Management letter was sent to Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin, House of Representatives Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Schumer outlining the dire need of such action.

The company approached all the Unions on the property about what they believed was necessary for survival. One of the key requests was a 50% reduction in payroll liabilities. To be clear, that does not mean a 50% reduction in employees pay. Other means of reducing payroll include, cutting out all overtime, not backfilling current open positions, accelerating retirements and offering flexible leaves. We requested economic data from the company before so there is a clear understanding of what the company actually needs. Please remember that it has been made clear that we are not willing to entertain such a request while federal bailouts loom. No change to the economic terms and conditions of the CBA can be made without a membership vote. Our position with the company is that any relief agreed upon would only be temporary in nature and that relief would be returned to the members in full. In other words, we are not willing to agree to any permanent changes to the agreement and 50% is an unreasonable request and will not be entertained.

In the worst case scenario bankruptcy does not mean the CARP pension plan automatically disappears. There are current funding level requirements to maintain the “Lump Sum” option. What would possibly be in jeopardy is the continued infusion of money by the company to maintain the plan above those levels. If the funding levels dip below the requirements that would trigger a change in our benefit options and the overall health of the plan. At this moment however the company is working on surviving without entering bankruptcy. As stated above that could change and you need to be aware of the possibility.

This situation is extremely fluid; changing daily and sometimes, hourly. The Administration has been discussing suspending domestic air travel for a period of time. That hasn't happened yet, but it is a possibility. If it does happen it will make a dire situation worse and will increase pressure for a bailout. 

Updates will continue through the Dispatch as this situation unfolds. Don't fall victim to rumors or speculation. Reach out to your respective Business Agents for updates they will be able to help you.

In conclusion the best thing we can do is provide the same great service as we do every day for United Airlines. This is critical; take care of each other. If you're ill don't come to work. If your coworker is sick, call and check on them. Through generations we are defined by how well we face adversity such as this. All of us will come out of this much stronger and closer than ever before and we will do it together. 

In Unity,

Vincent Graziano
Local 210, Business Agent
IBT National Coordinator, Airline Division

Mechanics Dispatch -- March 19, 2020

Special Update

March 19, 2020

Aflac

During these difficult times the IBT and Aflac have been looking at ways to help our members. Aflac has agreed not to lapse coverage for any participant in the Teamster Supplemental Benefits program in the event they might find themselves in a furlough situation and are not able to make payments through payroll deduction. This will cover 60 days initially and will be reviewed by Aflac on a monthly basis thereafter. 

This will keep coverage in place in the near term. Be assured that Bill Loweth and I will remain in constant communication on this and keep you up to date. Please remember that there is so much about the Coronavirus situation that we are just beginning to understand. Beyond this first 60 days, Aflac will, at a minimum, give those no longer on payroll deduction an opportunity to continue coverage on a direct pay basis, or to suspend coverage with the right to re-activate it at a later time with the exact same benefits, guarantees and costs. 

Fraternally,

 
Ken Meidinger
International Representative Airline Division
UAL Benefits Coordinator

Mechanics' Dispatch -- March 16, 2020

Special Update

March 16, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,

Last evening, (March 15th)  the company held a conference call with leaders of each union. The outlook has degraded considerably over the last couple of days and looks to continue to get worse for months to come. 

The company laid out their plan for officer and management compensation and asked that we all share in helping the company through this unprecedented rough period. However, many of us have been through tough times in the airline industry. The nature of the industry has always been cyclical. Recession, terrorist attacks and disease are always waiting around the corner. 

At this time, to even enter discussions designed to ensure the company's survival, there must be commitments made that any sacrifice will be repaid when this pandemic passes. Until there are such commitments, we are not prepared to discuss amendments to the collective bargaining agreement.  

In Solidarity,

Vincent Graziano
Local 210, Business Agent
IBT National Coordinator, Airline Division

Mechanics Dispatch - Special - March 13, 2020

Special Update
March 13, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,

Today after discussions with the company, I was able to achieve an agreement that no one affected by COVID-19 virus will be disciplined for using their sick leave. In addition, that company will also work with you if you are the sole caregiver as a result of a school closure due to the COVID-19 virus. 

If you are taking time to quarantine or recover and discipline is issued, reach out to your Stewards or Business Agents and we will hold the company to their agreement. 

Please use common sense and don't come to work with flu like symptoms. 

Vincent Graziano
Local 210, Business Agent
IBT National Coordinator, Airline Division

Mechanics Dispatch - Special Update - March 12, 2020

Special Update
March 12, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,

Yesterday the Airline Division leadership met with Oscar Munoz and his team in Washington D.C. to discuss the ongoing crisis surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. To say the situation is dire is an understatement. With that said, the company is doing everything in its power to avoid layoffs.

To help understand the economic situation, the company held an investor call on Tuesday, which was attended by the Airline Division. The company believes a worst case projection is for a 70% reduction in revenue over a two-month period that would gradually decrease to a 20% reduction by December. For those that have been through other industry crises there is at least some good news. The company starts with a healthy balance sheet, and they are making decisions quickly to end discretionary spending.  

During the meeting with Oscar there was no discussion regarding relief from the CBA. The only thing requested was ideas for how to weather the storm. We brought forward the idea to temporarily bring outsourced work back in house to keep the membership busy with work that would need to be accomplished regardless of a reduced schedule. In addition, we are still trying to work with the Company to amend their Company offered Leave of absence so it reflects the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Let me reiterate, the Airline Division did not participate in the construction of the leave and will continue to ensure that the company institutes leaves of this nature in accordance with the agreement. 

As the meeting was wrapped there was a joint commitment to discuss additional ideas to help keep our members employed.

Last night, after our meeting with Oscar, the Administration took the extraordinary measure of shutting down travel to Europe for thirty days. This action will most likely impact the company's broader decisions regarding spending and employment. 

As with other crises in the past, no one can predict how long the coronavirus will impact travel demand, but the chances of the virus tipping our economy into a longer-term recession are much greater now. The industry and the economy will recover from this event, but it will take time.

To end on a better note, while we don't know the duration of this crisis, all airlines are projecting that recovery will take place sometime in 2021 meaning it will eventually subside and there will be a return to normal. For now, take the precautions laid out by the CDC and keep yourself safe. 

We will continue to meet with the Company to develop solutions to mitigate any impact on our members. This is an unprecedented crisis for our industry and we will update you as this situation unfolds.

Vincent Graziano
Local 210, Business Agent
IBT National Coordinator, Airline Division

Mechanics Dispatch - March 6, 2020

Technicians Update
Special
March 6, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

The corona virus is spreading rapidly around the world which is having a serious negative effect on air travel. We don't yet know the extent of this industry shock, but we will continue to monitor the situation.

In the meantime, our safety department has shared recommendations from the CDC to protect yourself as best as possible. If you haven't seen the information, it is available at:
https://teamster.org/sites/default/files/coronavirus_flier.pdf 

As for job security, while no layoffs are seen near term, the company is offering voluntary leaves of absence in order to try to mitigate unforeseen losses due to the coronavirus. Let me reassure you that all of your contractual guarantees remain in place and will be protected. 

The company has invited labor leaders to participate in ongoing, twice weekly calls to discuss the impacts of the virus. We have accepted the invitation and will be participating in those calls. 

If anything changes regarding the above, we will inform you as soon as possible.  

Please watch for symptoms and stay home if you are sick. We are prepared to defend anyone that makes the very rational choice of staying home as opposed to spreading this disease. 

In Solidarity,

Vincent Graziano
Airline Maintenance Coordinator
Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Teamsters Primary Election Voting Guide

The California primary election is Tuesday, March 3, 2020.

Click the banner below to view the Teamster-endorsed candidates in elections in the United States Congress, statewide, and your local area.

February Business Agents' Report

New Hire Pay Proposal Update

As we reported to you previously, after much effort, we were finally able to secure a meeting with UAL Senior leadership on October 21, 2019. At that time the first order of business was to share a sample of twenty letters we received from our members detailing the many challenges they were facing living in the Bay Area, where an already high cost-of-living has soared in recent years. We did not proceed with our presentation until everyone in the room read the letters.

Afterwards, we shared a detailed proposal to increase wage rates for folks in the first four years of the Appendix A Scale. We included all relevant financial data with the proposal and asked that the new increases take effect on December 5, 2019.

We thought if the Company was able to read first-hand accounts of all the trials our folks faced, whether it be technicians living in their vehicles, or staying in crashpads with up to 18 other people, or that family of four cramped in a one bedroom apartment in a rough neighborhood, they would see this was a crisis situation that had to be handled with an extreme sense of urgency.

In December, after not receiving any word of a decision, we initiated a follow-up meeting with the Company which took place in mid-January, where Principal Officers Peter Finn from Local 856 and Chris Griswold from Local 986 were in attendance. Unfortunately, the meeting ended without a path to alleviate what we believe is a serious crisis that our newer Brothers and Sisters face. At that time, the principal officers did strenuously reiterate to the Company that the status quo is unacceptable.

We are not sure that the Company has come to recognize this situation as a crisis as we do. Yet, what we do know is that we here new stories every day of those who have had to give up and leave the Company for their sake and their families' sake.

The parties agreed to meet again in the near future. As of this time, dates have been proposed for March and we are waiting for confirmation.

2020 Scholarships are Taking Applications

It's that time of year again folks. If you are interested in obtaining some additional funds to help with your child's college tuition expenses, please make sure to apply for the variety of scholarships available to our members. Right now, there are two scholarship programs currently taking applications, The Local 856-986 Scholarship available exclusively to UAL members at SFO and the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund which is available to all members in good standing. The Local 856-986 Scholarship will be taking applications until March 31st. You can find out more information, including how to apply, by going to our website at TeamstersSFO.com. The James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund will be taking applications until March 2nd. You can also find more information on our website or you can go directly to jrhmsf.org. We will be sure to let you know when additional scholarship programs such as the California Teamsters Hispanic Caucus begin taking applications.

Retirement Seminar Draws a Packed House

On February 8th, over 75 members and spouses packed the Local 856 meeting room to hear valuable retirement information provided by Teamster Member Assistance Coordinators Steve Loone and Steve Crummey along with guest speakers from Kaiser Permanente, Fidelity Investments, and the United Airlines Pension Department. If you are contemplating retirement and were not able to participate, you can still receive information like the Retirement Benefits Guide or get any additional retirement questions you may have answered by contacting Steve Loone or Steve Crummey. Their contact information can be found on the Union Board in your area. Remember, it is never too early to start planning for retirement!

SFO System Board of Adjustment Schedule for 2020

The Airline Division has confirmed the SBA schedule for SFO for 2020. We will host System Boards three times during the year to hear grievance cases that are at the 3rd Step (SBA Level) of the Grievance process where no resolution with the Company can be obtained. The three 2020 dates for SFO are April 21st-22nd, July 15th-16th, and October 14th-15th. If there are any termination cases to be heard, additional dates will be scheduled with the Company throughout the year, depending on timing.

System Board of Adjustment (SBA) Explained

We figured this was a good time to talk about 3rd Step (SBA Level) grievances again. 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 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 officially 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 or outside counsel. The local Business Agents continue to assist throughout the preparation process for these grievances until they are ultimately heard in Chicago, unless there is mutual agreement on another venue, on the previously 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 side's 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 are terminated for any reason, a grievance is automatically filed on that member’s behalf and it moves directly to SBA Level. The SBA hearing 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.

Union History for the Month of February

February 7, 2008 - A huge explosion and fire at the Imperial Sugar refinery northwest of Savannah, Georgia, killed 14 and injured 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 that the sugar industry had been aware of the risk of dust explosions since 1926.

February 9, 2000 - Boeing engineers and technical workers begin what is to become a forty-day strike over economic issues. At the time, it was the largest white-collar strike at a private company in the U.S. It ended in a victory for the 22,000 workers represented by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA).

February 19, 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.

We must never forget!

Union Quotes

The man who has his millions will want everything he can lay his hands on and then raise his voice against the poor devil who wants ten cents more a day.  We do want more, and when it becomes more, we shall still want more.  And we shall never cease to demand more until we have received the results of our labor - Samuel Gompers

Never forget, people DIED for the eight-hour workday - Rebecca Gordon

An imbalance between rich and poor is the oldest and most fatal ailment of all republics - Plutarch

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.