The meeting started on May 23 with a review of the previous ratification process. We talked about what went well and what didn't during that time. We had a good discussion where everyone shared their thoughts and ideas. Here are a few of the important things we talked about:
I’m pleased to report that the company reached out to us to inform us that they agreed with our request to move new hires up the scale in two cities. The Union continues to advocate raising the rates up for all newly hired technicians across the system. However, at this point the carrier has agreed to move all AMT members in SFO and SEA, currently in steps one and two, to step three on the schedule A rate table.
I’m pleased to report that today we settled the upcoming arbitration over when the time and three quarters, commonly referred to as 1.75, begins and ends. The settlement captures what we bargained, which is pay begins one hour before a trip starts to gather necessary tooling and stops one hour after a trip ends domestically for paperwork.
Representatives from the Airline Division along with representatives from Local 769 met with members in MCO for two days last week. Craft meetings were held on August 2nd and floor visits occurred on August 3rd. In attendance for the Local were President Josh Zivalich, Secretary Treasurer Roly Piña and Business Agent Tommy Esposito. In attendance for the Division were Director Joe Ferreira, me, Chris Moore, Bob Fisher, and Mike Moats.
Yesterday Principal Officers met with the Airline Division to determine the structure of negotiations moving forward. The one question survey showed an interest in opening the entire Agreement rather than focusing on limited issues. With that in mind, and after much discussion, it was determined that there will be nine rank and file negotiators for the upcoming round of bargaining. Seven of the nine will come from the larger cities with one representative for the ground equipment/facilities group and one representative from the smaller line stations. In addition, subject matter experts will join the committee as needed to provide guidance on their respective needs. The Principal Officers also decided that one Business Agent from each Local would be welcome to attend. Professionals that will be attending such as lawyers, economists and actuaries were also discussed and will be provided to the committee for use on your behalf.
Questions have begun to arise regarding the upcoming reset slated to go into effect on December 5th of this year. The questions are centered around when the measurement period begins specifically in regard to the Definitions provision 1.d. According to the provision the first measurement period began six months prior to December of 2018. All subsequent measurements must be completed prior to December 5th of the appropriate year in order that any increases can be processed in a timely manner to ensure compliance with the LOA.
This is a reminder to complete the survey regarding the direction your Rank and File Negotiating Committee will take on your behalf.
The link for the survey is, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8XMPH2W
The survey in January provided clear direction on all but one of your priorities. The one question that I'd like clarification on, for the Rank and File committee's benefit, is regarding whether you would rather do limited issue bargaining, or whether you would like to open the whole contract. Those that participated chose limited issue by a small margin, but the number of issues to be addressed was unclear. In this follow up survey, we ask which direction you would like to see the Rank and File committee pursue on your behalf, followed by a dropdown button to choose the number of issues you would like to see bargained. This is a very important component of the bargaining strategy, and as a result, the survey will remain open for thirty (30) days to give you time to decide which course of action you would like to see utilized.
Next Tuesday, May 24th is AMT ( Aircraft Maintenance Technician) Day. I would like to recognize all of the highly skilled certified Technicians that took an oath to hold in sacred trust the rights and privileges conferred upon them, knowing full well that the safety and lives of others are dependent upon their skills and judgment. They never knowingly subject others to risk that they would not be willing to assume themselves or those dear to them.
Last week representatives from the Airline Division met with representatives and members at the SFO Base. This a first opportunity for our new Director Joe Ferreira and Deputy Director Greg Unterseher to meet with United Airlines Technicians and Related in their new roles. Also, in attendance besides myself, were Mike Moats Division Representative in charge of Benefits at UA, Eastern Region Rep Bob Fisher, Central Region Rep Chris Moore, and staff Attorney Stephanie Spanja. On Tuesday the 10th we first met with the Business Agents, the Grievance Committee, as well as Safety and TMAP Reps, before heading out to the Base to talk with stewards and members assigned to swing shift. On the 11th we met with stewards and members assigned to both the midnight and day shifts.
As you all know, on August 26th, 2020 the last heavy check performed at the San Francisco Maintenance Center was released from Dock 6. At that time the Union filed grievance accusing the company of violating both Article1 (Scope) and LOA #3 (Heavy Checks) of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by discontinuing heavy checks at SFO.
I am honored to have been chosen to serve you as the new Director for the Airline Division. While this is a very challenging industry, I look forward to representing your needs in the best way possible. I'm hopeful that my background of forty years in the airline industry will provide the insight needed to accomplish that goal. I would also like to introduce you to Greg Unterseher. I'm pleased to report that Greg was chosen to serve as Deputy Director and brings with him over 25 years experience in Teamster Pilot leadership, as an airline captain, organizer, and pilot representative.
By now you’ve all seen the news that Delta Tech Ops employees are receiving 4% raises in May along with increases to premiums and a reduction in the length of time to reach the top of the scale.
This is good news for a several reasons, including that the announced increase will help during bargaining for the amended CBA and the increases will be captured as part of the formula of the reset language in December. Also, it will help to address the Technician shortage that is unfolding along similar lines industry wide, to what transpired with the Pilots just a few years ago.
As a reminder, the bargaining survey and contract proposal forms are live now. I’m urging you to complete the survey. As stated before, the higher the percentage that takes the time to complete this survey sends a message to the company. In addition, it helps your rank-and-file committee better determine your priorities.
