Unpaid Leave at United Airlines
United Airlines announced that tech ops employees who are granted exceptions from the vaccine mandate for medical or religious reasons may be required to take unpaid leaves of absence of up to twelve months and be subject to a number of other terms that were not negotiated by the parties.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
United Airlines announced that tech ops employees who are granted exceptions from the vaccine mandate for medical or religious reasons may be required to take unpaid leaves of absence of up to twelve months and be subject to a number of other terms that were not negotiated by the parties.
The IBT does not believe these or the other terms United Airlines plans to impose are "reasonable accommodations" under the law. Other components of the company's unilateral plan may also violate the Railway Labor Act (RLA), as well as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the federal law governing retirement plans. The IBT is preparing a legal response and we will update you very shortly on the actions we plan to take to stop the company from implementing potentially unlawful aspects of its policy.
In Solidarity,
Capt. David Bourne
Director, IBT Airline Division
Company Mandated Vaccine Policy
As I write this update, United has provided answers to questions we brought forth last week. The answers are extremely disappointing. The company is giving no consideration to the sacrifices you’ve made to date to keep this airline running. As previously stated, the IBT fully supports getting the vaccine and we are encouraging our members to take the vaccine. However, the mandatory nature and the short timeframe is putting you, our dedicated and essential members, in peril of losing your career. I believe given what you’ve done for this company throughout the pandemic, this action is completely unconscionable.
August 25, 2021
Brothers and Sisters,
As I write this update, United has provided answers to questions we brought forth last week. The answers are extremely disappointing. The company is giving no consideration to the sacrifices you’ve made to date to keep this airline running. As previously stated, the IBT fully supports getting the vaccine and we are encouraging our members to take the vaccine. However, the mandatory nature and the short timeframe is putting you, our dedicated and essential members, in peril of losing your career. I believe given what you’ve done for this company throughout the pandemic, this action is completely unconscionable.
We have offered solutions to the company that would aid our folks in transitioning into retirement or to limit the draconian measure of termination. These measures have been met with stubborn resistance.
We took our time reviewing all legal paths. Based on that research, the IBT does not want to give you a false sense of hope that we may prevail in court. The constitutionality of mandatory vaccines was upheld in the 1905 Supreme Court decision Jacobson v. Massachusetts. That case was then reaffirmed in the 1922 Zucht v. King decision. In a recent challenge to a Covid 19 vaccine mandate, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett denied emergency review of Indiana University’s vaccine mandate, thus maintaining the lower courts’ decisions upholding the mandate. These cases implicated concerns regarding the constitutionality of mandates because they involved state actions rather than the private sector.
Recently a couple of high-profile actions have taken place regarding private (i.e. non-governmental) company mandates. A federal court in Texas has dismissed a lawsuit challenging a mandatory vaccination program by a private employer in the case Jennifer Bridges v. Houston Methodist Hosp. Similarly, a lawsuit filed by a group of pilots at United was dismissed on procedural grounds. In his ruling, the judge noted that even if the procedural defects were fixed, the pilots were unlikely to succeed based on the merits.
Our legal team has also explored a legal strategy of filing a lawsuit to compel United to bargain with us over this mandate. However, their analysis has concluded that any such lawsuit has very little chance of success.
Given that the courts are not granting relief to employees at private companies, our alternative is to represent you in the grievance procedure using the just-cause standards.
If you have seriously held religious objections or valid medical reasons for objections to the mandate, file them now. The EEOC has determined that those two exceptions are required in any mandated vaccine policy.
In solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
Coordinator Technician and Related
Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Follow-up Call on Mandatory Vaccine Policy
Yesterday we, the Airline Division leadership and legal counsel, requested a follow-up call with leadership from United Airlines Labor Relations Department. We set this call up to discuss the August 31st date being communicated for the deadline for RAP accommodations. The company informed us that members only need to apply by that date, and that RAP meetings and decisions on those applications would take some time. That was the only semi-positive portion of the call.
August 21, 2021
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Yesterday we, the Airline Division leadership and legal counsel, requested a follow-up call with leadership from United Airlines Labor Relations Department. We set this call up to discuss the August 31st date being communicated for the deadline for RAP accommodations. The company informed us that members only need to apply by that date, and that RAP meetings and decisions on those applications would take some time. That was the only semi-positive portion of the call.
We asked if the company was prepared to present answers to the questions we posed on the last call. They informed us that, as discussed on the previous call, the answers would be forthcoming next week. That led to a conversation regarding exceptions or workarounds to the policy such as another VSL type program, extension of bridge medical, vaccination leave of absence given that this membership has sacrificed so much both recently and in the past for this company. We were told that at this time there would be no changes to the policy and no alternatives for those that do not have medical or religious exemptions – nothing but “thank you for your service.”
Given that answer, we told the company that the very members who brought this carrier through the pandemic, the frontline essential workers, were going to now be cast to the side and terminated. After all your sacrifices, and many with long distinguished impeccable careers, to now be cast aside as refuse is entirely deplorable. To that end, we are continuing to pursue every legal and contractual remedy we can to protect you from this obscenely draconian policy.
In solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
Coordinator Technician and Related Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Letter to United Airlines Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
I'm writing to update you regarding the recent announcement at United Airlines regarding vaccines. Earlier today, I sent a letter to United Airlines Vice President of Labor Relations Zachery Jones regarding the new COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all employees. The text of that letter is as follows:
Brothers and Sisters,
I'm writing to update you regarding the recent announcement at United Airlines regarding vaccines. Earlier today, I sent a letter to United Airlines Vice President of Labor Relations Zachery Jones regarding the new COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all employees. The text of that letter is as follows:
August 13, 2021
Mr. Zachery Jones
Vice President of Labor Relations
United Airlines
233 South Wacker Drive
HDQPO
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Dear Zach:
Since United Airlines announced its new COVID-19 policy last week, the IBT Airline Division is fielding calls and emails from many concerned members, as well as union officers and representatives across the system. Given that no other major carrier has instituted a similar mandate, we believe that the policy, as proposed, is unreasonable.
Although we agree, and strongly encourage, our members to become vaccinated, we believe that this approach - when there is no federal mandate - is one that crosses the line of reasonableness. We request that alternatives (such as frequent testing and incentives, etc.) are offered instead of an economic capital punishment approach where one loses a career for an inability to comply.
Because no meeting took place prior to the implementation of this policy and like other unions on the property our input was not requested, we now request a meeting with your team to discuss the company’s policy. We know there are alternatives (as discussed above) that other carriers have employed and we seek similar relief to mitigate the effects of this policy.
Because we need to act quickly, we ask that the meeting take place remotely, via zoom or teams, sometime within the next week.
Looking forward to a prompt reply.
Regards,
David P. Bourne
Director, Teamsters Airline Division
Update on the UA Vaccine Mandate
Last Friday, August 6, the Airline Division was notified by United Airlines (UA) only a few minutes before its announcement to the public that it would be requiring all employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Although we were caught off guard by the timing of the announcement, there had been hints for many months in the press that UA and other employers were considering this step. We had researched this matter accordingly. After conferring with labor and employment attorneys, and Teamsters Safety and Health Department, we believe that the company has the ability to mandate vaccinations upon notice and with some restrictions.
Last Friday, August 6, the Airline Division was notified by United Airlines (UA) only a few minutes before its announcement to the public that it would be requiring all employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Although we were caught off guard by the timing of the announcement, there had been hints for many months in the press that UA and other employers were considering this step. We had researched this matter accordingly. After conferring with labor and employment attorneys, and Teamsters Safety and Health Department, we believe that the company has the ability to mandate vaccinations upon notice and with some restrictions.
Most of our members have greeted the UA announcement favorably, although some are concerned, so we want to make our position clear. While the IBT supports and encourages everyone to get the COVID-19 based upon our core ethic of union members protecting each other, as well as the advice of medical professionals – including the American Medical Association (AMA), American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Academy of Nursing (AAN), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), American College of Physicians (ACP), American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), American College of Surgeons (ACS), American Nurses Association (ANA), American Pharmacists Association (APhA), Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS), Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), and Texas Nurses Association (TNA), among many others) – we also understand that some may be hesitant or unable to receive the vaccine for medical, religious or other reasons.
Accordingly, the IBT will ask to meet with UA to explore whether there may be alternatives to mandatory vaccination that still provide for adequate workplace safety, as well as to discuss how the company will address those who can’t or won’t take the vaccine. We expect discussions to take place on an expedited basis, and we will keep all of our members posted.
In Solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
Maintenance and Related Coordinator, Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Technicians Update: Summit and Follow Up BA Meeting
As discussed in a previous dispatch, a summit with United Airlines (UA) Labor Relations leadership was held in Washington DC on July 21 at the IBT Headquarters. Several issues were discussed during that meeting. These issues included the UA System Board, the growing backlog of grievances due to the pandemic (especially regarding RIF and recall) and the scheduling of arbitration cases. Commitments were made to reduce the docket and to settle grievances at the lowest possible level as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement. At the conclusion of the meeting a call with the business agents from around the system took place. It was decided on that call that a face-to-face meeting of UA Business Agents was warranted. That meeting took place in Houston on Tuesday, August 3 at the Local 19 union hall.
Brothers and Sisters,
As discussed in a previous dispatch, a summit with United Airlines (UA) Labor Relations leadership was held in Washington DC on July 21 at the IBT Headquarters. Several issues were discussed during that meeting. These issues included the UA System Board, the growing backlog of grievances due to the pandemic (especially regarding RIF and recall) and the scheduling of arbitration cases. Commitments were made to reduce the docket and to settle grievances at the lowest possible level as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement. At the conclusion of the meeting a call with the business agents from around the system took place. It was decided on that call that a face-to-face meeting of UA Business Agents was warranted. That meeting took place in Houston on Tuesday, August 3 at the Local 19 union hall.
After the call with the business agents and the in-person meeting, the IBT filed a lawsuit in federal court regarding the refusal of the company to participate in an arbitration case that was scheduled to be heard earlier this summer. The matter involved management performing bargaining unit work overseas. As of the writing of this dispatch, the lawsuit is moving forward. We will keep you apprised of the process as it unfolds.
During the meeting in Houston all of the above issues were discussed. Some other items discussed included the order of awards when vacancies were open concurrently and SIDA badge issues involving loss of pay for members. These issues needed to be addressed in the very short term. The rest of the meeting focused on the upcoming negotiations and identified areas of the agreement that would need clarification. It was decided that these in-person meetings were beneficial for the business agents in policing the agreement and will be held quarterly. At the end of the meeting the scope committee chair let the group know he is working on dates for the next meeting with the company and will notify everyone when the next date is set.
In attendance at the summit meeting in DC from the company were: Zachary Jones, Tom Reardon and Julianne Cooney. Attending for the union were: Airline Division Director Capt. David Bourne; International Representatives Paul Alves, Clacy Griswold, Bob Clever, and Bob Fisher; IBT Staff Attorneys Deirdre Hamilton and Nick Manicone; Director of Economics Jim Kimball and myself.
In attendance at the meeting in Houston were: Bob Clever and David Watford, Local 19; Andy Walsh, Local 25; Gregg Vandagriff, Local 104; Don Ramsey, Local 455; Thomas Esposito, Local 769; Hernan Gomez, Local 781; Javier Lectora, Local 856; Mike Moats, Local 964; Dave Elmore, Mark DesAngles and Dave Saucedo, Local 986; International Representatives Chris Moore, Bob Fisher and myself.
In Solidarity,
Vincent Graziano
Maintenance and Related Coordinator, Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Mandatory Vaccinations
United Airlines announced this morning that it is mandating vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. By doing so, the company has joined a growing list of employers – including private businesses, nonprofits, and state and federal government agencies – that have mandated vaccines for employees. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has been reviewing this issue in anticipation that our members would most likely face mandates, such as the one just announced. Our conclusion is that employers have the right to mandate vaccinations in most instances.
Brothers and Sisters,
United Airlines announced this morning that it is mandating vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. By doing so, the company has joined a growing list of employers – including private businesses, nonprofits, and state and federal government agencies – that have mandated vaccines for employees. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has been reviewing this issue in anticipation that our members would most likely face mandates, such as the one just announced. Our conclusion is that employers have the right to mandate vaccinations in most instances.
The Teamsters encourage members who wish to do so to get the vaccine, which evidence has shown is generally safe and effective at preventing or mitigating COVID-19 infections. However, our members who have bona fide medical or religious reasons for not getting vaccines should be exempt from United Airlines’ policy, and the Teamsters will defend members’ rights to those exemptions where they apply. The Teamsters will also reach out to United Airlines management to negotiate separation packages for members to whom exemptions do not apply who do not wish to get the vaccine. We will continue to update you as we receive more information.
In Solidarity,
Vincent Graziano
Coordinator, Maintenance and Related
Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Teamsters Aviation Mechanics Newsletter
Check out the latest version of the TAMC newsletter! In this edition, we discuss our partnership with Spartan College, PARTT 147 and more.
Check out the latest version of the TAMC newsletter! In this edition, we discuss our partnership with Spartan College, PARTT 147 and more. Read it here...
Summit with UAL
As reported in the last Dispatch, we’ve been advocating for a summit to address the outstanding issues at United Airlines. I’m pleased to report that last Friday the meeting date was agreed upon. We will be meeting in DC on July 21.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As reported in the last Dispatch, we’ve been advocating for a summit to address the outstanding issues at United Airlines. I’m pleased to report that last Friday the meeting date was agreed upon. We will be meeting in DC on July 21. In advance of that meeting we will have a call with business agents from every local union to discuss strategy. Shortly after the meeting is complete, an overview will be sent out.
In Solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
Maintenance and Related Coordinator
Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
UAL Technicians Dispatch Update - June 30, 2021
Yesterday Airline Division Director David Bourne, Representative Bob Fisher and I attended the presentation by United Airlines to its investors. We are all very excited about the opportunities for this membership that the new aircraft order presents.
Technicians Update
June 29, 2021
United Airlines Future Planning
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Yesterday Airline Division Director David Bourne, Representative Bob Fisher and I attended the presentation by United Airlines to its investors. We are all very excited about the opportunities for this membership that the new aircraft order presents.
There was a bit of a sour note to the rollout, however. For months we’ve been requesting a summit with leadership to discuss a myriad of scheduling and language abuses. We’ve been promised these meetings to get us back on track, but have up until this point, been unable to get a commitment to a date. Therefore, when the company asked us to get up on stage with the other Unions, we were disinclined to accept the offer. To be blunt, we are not here for a show, to be rolled out when needed, and then shoved aside afterwards. We expressed our displeasure yesterday again. As a result, this morning the company has promised we will receive a list of offered dates for a summit by the end of this week.
I will keep you informed as we move forward.
In solidarity,
Vincent Graziano
Coordinator, Maintenance and Related
Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Aviation Professionals Day
As we begin to turn the corner on the pandemic in much of the world, passengers are returning to the skies. Although the airlines are only flying around 65 percent of what they did in 2019, it is great to see the uptick in flying.
As we begin to turn the corner on the pandemic in much of the world, passengers are returning to the skies. Although the airlines are only flying around 65 percent of what they did in 2019, it is great to see the uptick in flying.
Throughout all of this you have been on the front lines. As essential workers you could not shelter in place. Instead, you put yourselves and your families at risk by continuing to come to work. Many of you took the bold step of retiring early or voluntarily separating from you jobs so that younger AMTs could stay employed, a selfless act that shows the integrity that is ingrained our craft. It is through your hard work and sacrifice that the fleet is ready to fly as demand returns.
Charles Taylor embodied all these traits. His dedication, hard work and ingenuity set the standard for all that hold the certificate which bears his photo, and his spirit lives on in all of us.
With Solidarity,
The TAMC Board of Directors
PBGC Policy Change
This email is for our Sub-UAL members who participated in the United Airlines Pension that was taken over by the PBGC in May of 2005. I talked with a PBGC representative yesterday and as of June 1, 2021, the long-standing requirement for the employee to terminate or separate their employment with United to start receiving early age retirement benefits will be eliminated. You will want to be aware of tax consequences and the effects of early age penalties on the benefit you will receive.
Technicians Update
May 17, 2021
Re: PBGC Policy Change
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This email is for our Sub-UAL members who participated in the United Airlines Pension that was taken over by the PBGC in May of 2005. I talked with a PBGC representative yesterday and as of June 1, 2021, the long-standing requirement for the employee to terminate or separate their employment with United to start receiving early age retirement benefits will be eliminated. You will want to be aware of tax consequences and the effects of early age penalties on the benefit you will receive.
There is a lot of work going on at the PBGC including website redesign and messaging tools to manage this change. As such they expect a back log of requests and for some time, however they plan on paying the benefit retro to June 1st for those delayed by the process. The PBGC has agreed to keep us informed so we can pass the information on to you and we have shared the same with United Company Benefits/Pension representatives.
This is yet in its infancy so please allow the work that the PBGC is doing behind the scenes to materialize.
Fraternally,
Bob Clever
IBT Airline Division Benefits Coordinator
Technicians Update
Yesterday, along with many of you, we saw the article in Aviation Week regarding the awarding of MRO work to AAR in Illinois. To clarify, NO additional work is being contracted out to AAR. This awarding of work is simply work that AAR has historically performed in Miami and which will now be moved to AAR in Illinois.
Technicians Update
April 23, 2021
Re: Aviation Week Article on UA Outsourcing
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Yesterday, along with many of you, we saw the article in Aviation Week regarding the awarding of MRO work to AAR in Illinois. To clarify, NO additional work is being contracted out to AAR. This awarding of work is simply work that AAR has historically performed in Miami and which will now be moved to AAR in Illinois.
We will continue to closely monitor the outsourcing of our work and if a violation occurs, we will aggressively defend this membership’s rights, whether through arbitration, litigation, or in the halls of Congress via the Cares Act.
In solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
National Coordinator, Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Technicians Update
Today marks the final day of work for our Benefits Coordinator, Ken Meidinger. After 45 years he’s decided it’s time to retire and spend time with family. He will truly be missed and I’m sure everyone that’s worked with him over the years feels the same way. Ken, best of luck for a long, happy, and healthy retirement!
Technicians Update
March 30, 2021
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today marks the final day of work for our Benefits Coordinator, Ken Meidinger. After 45 years he’s decided it’s time to retire and spend time with family. He will truly be missed and I’m sure everyone that’s worked with him over the years feels the same way. Ken, best of luck for a long, happy, and healthy retirement!
Ken held two roles with the Airline Division. In addition to being the Benefits Coordinator, he was also the Chairman of the Ground Equipment and Facilities Maintenance Committee.
Starting immediately upon Ken’s retirement, Bob Clever Principal Officer of Local 19 will assume the duties of the Benefits Coordinator. In that role Bob will look over benefits, such as but not limited to, CARP, 401(k) plans, Health Benefits, and VEBA accounts. He will be working with United to address concerns with any of the benefit plans that may arise.
Additionally, and also starting immediately upon Ken’s retirement, Airline Division Representative Chris Moore will assume the role of Chairman of the Ground Equipment-Facilities Maintenance Committee. Chris will be assisted by Allen Cosides, Chief Steward in LaGuardia, in the performance of his duties.
Congratulations to Ken, Bob, and Chris!
Fraternally,
Vinny Graziano
Technician and Related Coordinator
Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Bid Area LOA Ratification Results
Ballot Point conducted the ratification and shared the results at 3pm Eastern time today. The LOA passed 55% to 45%.
Technicians Update
March 19, 2021
Bid Area LOA Ratification Results
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Ballot Point conducted the ratification and shared the results at 3pm Eastern time today. The LOA passed 55% to 45%.
Votes: 1383 yes
1109 no
Total - 2492
Thank you to all that participated.
Have a good weekend.
Fraternally,
Vincent Graziano
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Coordinator Aircraft Maintenance and Related
Airline Division
Letter from Airline Division United Airlines to Congressman DeFazio on UAL Recall Process
As Director of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Airline Division (the "IBT"), which represents thousands of airline workers around the nation in collective bargaining, I am writing first and foremost, to thank you and your colleagues for the tremendous work you did in passing the American Rescue Plan containing critical relief to millions of American workers, including tens of thousands of IBT members represented by the Airline Division. This bill, along with the prior COVID relief bills targeting relief directly to airline workers save thousands of our families from desperate hardship during this unprecedented crisis. I cannot say this enough: Thank You!
As Director of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Airline Division (the "IBT"), which represents thousands of airline workers around the nation in collective bargaining, I am writing first and foremost, to thank you and your colleagues for the tremendous work you did in passing the American Rescue Plan containing critical relief to millions of American workers, including tens of thousands of IBT members represented by the Airline Division. This bill, along with the prior COVID relief bills targeting relief directly to airline workers save thousands of our families from desperate hardship during this unprecedented crisis. I cannot say this enough: Thank You!
UAL Technicians Dispatch Update - March 10, 2021
Due to the many furloughed members returning off the street or transferring back to their home station in early January, those members have yet to receive voting instructions in the mail regarding the Bid area LOA.
Over the last week, some of our Locals throughout the country were inundated with calls requesting voter credentials to participate in the ratification process and some of our members at various stations still have not received voting instructions.
To All UAL IBT members
Re: Bid area recall LOA
Brothers and Sisters,
Due to the many furloughed members returning off the street or transferring back to their home station in early January, those members have yet to receive voting instructions in the mail regarding the Bid area LOA.
Over the last week, some of our Locals throughout the country were inundated with calls requesting voter credentials to participate in the ratification process and some of our members at various stations still have not received voting instructions.
THE VOTING CREDENTIALS REQUEST PERIOD HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 AT 12PM EST (EASTERN TIME).
As a result, we feel that each and every member that wishes to participate in the ratification process should have the opportunity to do so therefore; the ratification date will be moved back one week to Friday, March 19th.
Vinny Graziano
National Coordinator
IBT Airline Division
Technicians Update
Attached is the link to the latest update from the NTSB on the incident involving United 328.
https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/DCA21FA085.aspx
As a reminder; while this is public information from the NTSB, if you are approached by anyone asking for your opinion or views
Technicians Update
March 5, 2021
United 328
Brothers and Sisters,
Attached is the link to the latest update from the NTSB on the incident involving United 328.
https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/DCA21FA085.aspx
As a reminder; while this is public information from the NTSB, if you are approached by anyone asking for your opinion or views; you should not to make any statements or comments that could be misconstrued as an official position by you or the company. Additionally; you should not make any statements or comments on any social media platforms.
We will continue to keep you updated as information becomes available.
In Solidarity,
Chris Moore
International Representative, Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Re: UAL Technicians Dispatch Update #2- UA 328- February 23, 2021
We know that many of you have questions regarding UA 328. The IBT has been granted party status to the investigation and therefore cannot share any of the details. For those of you interested in following the UA328 investigation we are sending you this link to the NTSB investigation page. This link will allow you to get the most up to date information on the investigation. It is a public page and contains information, pictures, and videos that the NTSB has approved for distribution.
Technicians Update
February 23, 2021
UA328 Update
Brothers and Sisters,
We know that many of you have questions regarding UA 328. The IBT has been granted party status to the investigation and therefore cannot share any of the details. For those of you interested in following the UA328 investigation we are sending you this link to the NTSB investigation page. This link will allow you to get the most up to date information on the investigation. It is a public page and contains information, pictures, and videos that the NTSB has approved for distribution.
Currently the Teamsters Airline Division has UAL members participating on the following working groups; Structures, Powerplant, Materials and Records.
Finally, if you are approached by anyone from the media advise them that per the work rules you are not permitted to speak with them regarding UAL or the incident. Refer them to either UAL or the NTSB.
Fraternally,
Chris Moore
International Representative, Airline Division