Airbus Outsourcing Award
As you are aware, the Arbitrator overseeing the Airbus outsourcing case ordered the parties to try and reach a settlement. Unfortunately, we remained too far apart to settle this case. Since the Arbitrator retained jurisdiction over the case, today we are announcing that she made an award which ends the grievance process.
September 16, 2022
Airbus Outsourcing Award
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As you are aware, the Arbitrator overseeing the Airbus outsourcing case ordered the parties to try and reach a settlement. Unfortunately, we remained too far apart to settle this case. Since the Arbitrator retained jurisdiction over the case, today we are announcing that she made an award which ends the grievance process.
In her award the Company is directed to implement a check line beginning in the first quarter of 2023 and maintain that line for one year. Further, directed that the apprenticeship program outlined in Article 23 will be implemented in conjunction with the above check line and directed that the clarifications to the implementation of the program, outlined in LOA 34 #13 of the CBA, will be a part of the award.
As a result of this award, there will be no ratification of the clarifications of the apprenticeship program. Now any future modifications to the program that may be needed, will fall to the nine-member negotiating committee during bargaining for the new CBA.
While we did not achieve everything we asked for, a one-year commitment to a check line provides an approximately $500,000 improvement to the membership as it is expected to drive around fifty positions, not counting any apprentices. Awards by third parties, in this case the arbitrator, are almost never what you expect. The good news here is that moving forward we will attempt to memorialize this work in the new CBA.
Fraternally,
Joe Ferreira, Director
Airline Division
Shortening of Scale in SFO and SEA
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.
August 22, 2022
Re: Shortening of Scale in SFO and SEA
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
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.
This is the culmination of a multi-year effort by the Airline Division along with Chris Griswold of the Teamsters General Executive Board and Local 986 and Peter Finn of the Teamsters General Executive Board and Local 856 to recognize the difficulty faced by our newer members economically. In 2016 we recognized that there may be a need to start new hires further up the scale and we negotiated a provision in Article 15 that allows for this.
We will continue the dialogue with the company to persuade them that this is the right move in the rest of our cities. The good news here is that by moving some members up the scale it increases our leverage during negotiations to reduce the progression scale during bargaining. Shortening the length of the scale was the number three item of importance in the survey.
Look for future updates as further details are released.
In solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
Airline Division Representative
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Field Trip Pay Arbitration
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.
August 16, 2022
Re: Field Trip Pay Arbitration
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
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. For international trips it is two hours on either side. I’d like to offer my thanks to Director Joe Ferreira who was a huge help in getting this grievance taken care of.
In solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
Airline Division Representative
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Airbus Arbitration
Today we were scheduled to meet for the second day of arbitration regarding Airbus aircraft being sent to South America for heavy checks. The Arbitrator in this matter has suggested the parties should attempt to reach a settlement
August 16, 2022
Re: Airbus Arbitration
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today we were scheduled to meet for the second day of arbitration regarding Airbus aircraft being sent to South America for heavy checks. The Arbitrator in this matter has suggested the parties should attempt to reach a settlement. As a result, the parties began discussions and today’s hearing has been postponed. The Arbitrator retains jurisdiction over the matter. This means if the parties are not able to settle, she will have day two rescheduled. As soon as there is an outcome, settlement or not, I’ll let you know.
In solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
Airline Division Representative
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
UAL Mechanics Dispatch - 8.11.22
Your new Negotiating Committee of rank-and-file members met at Local 986 in Las Vegas on August 9 and 10. Two members had other obligations and were excused. One of these was due to the birth of a child and we extend our congratulations to Blake, his wife, and their growing family!
August 11, 2022
Negotiation Update
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Your new Negotiating Committee of rank-and-file members met at Local 986 in Las Vegas on August 9 and 10. Two members had other obligations and were excused. One of these was due to the birth of a child and we extend our congratulations to Blake, his wife, and their growing family! It should be noted that many sacrifices will be made by this group of rank-and-file negotiators on behalf of the membership during bargaining, and they deserve thanks for making this commitment to enhance your quality of life.
After brief introductions, the full committee began to work on proposed language changes to the agreement as suggested through the surveys and proposals. The committee combed through Article 5 & 6, LOA 19, portions of LOA 34, and the Recall LOA dated February 11, 2021. During this time all the language was reviewed, and where needed corrections were suggested. The intent was to provide clarity regarding the subjects of Vacancies and RIF/Recall.
UAL Mechanic Dispatch - 8.8.2022
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.
August 8, 2022
Re: MCO Visit
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
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.
During all three craft meetings, discussions of local issues led, followed by briefings on national level concerns. The meetings were well attended and each meeting lasted over two hours.
Walking the hangars the next day we spoke to members on midnight and day shifts. We visited the north hangar first, followed by the south hangar. Briefings were held in breakrooms at both hangars and lasted for some time.
During all of the meetings I discussed the make-up of the rank-and-file committee along with how the committee will have the responsibility of reaching a tentative agreement. The feedback from the first survey showed an overwhelming response to the membership wanting to hear from these nine members. This is completely understandable because no paragraph, article or agreement is finalized until the rank-and-file votes and agrees to include, or exclude, the changes in any tentative agreement. It was also explained that social media, such as rank and file reports on YouTube, will be used in addition to the written updates to share progress during negotiations.
Chris Moore discussed the proposed changes to the CBA surrounding Article 23 which contains the apprenticeship program. Article 23 “Apprentice Mechanics” is a carry-over from old sub–United CBAs and outlines how the program works but doesn’t clearly explain how certain items of the contract will be implemented nor does it plainly explain how current technicians are protected. In LOA 34 it was anticipated that this decades old language may need to be updated. Chris described the process of reviewing the entire Agreement as laid out in the LOA to make sure current members are safe for when the company implements this program. Talks on the added language are close to completion and will be out for ratification in the coming weeks, along with frequently asked questions “FAQ” to explain how this program will be implemented and to eliminate any concerns that I’ve heard during station visits.
One item of concern brought up both at the craft meetings and the hangar visits, was the awarding of two years seniority for those that complete the entire program and what effects that would have. As the CBA language in Article 23 states, members that complete the program are given two years of craft seniority. The Consent Decree, that came after this provision was originally bargained, grants all three years in the program as furlough recall time. Several asked if the Consent Decree could be removed. We explained that we would have our legal department look at the matter to see if it was feasible. As you may remember, the subject was reviewed in 2013 and it was determined that the parties would most likely not be able to have the Decree removed. At any rate, this would be a lengthy legal fight and any Decree modification would not be accomplished right away, even if it is feasible to remove it.
Look for updates to be shared in upcoming Dispatches as the negotiation process continues.
Fraternally,
Vinny Graziano
Airline Division Rep
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Negotiations Update July 13, 2022
Business Agents from throughout the system met at Local 769 in Miami on July 6th and 7th to discuss what transpired at the Principal Officer meeting in Washington, DC on June 28th, as well as several ongoing issues that have system wide impact.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Business Agents from throughout the system met at Local 769 in Miami on July 6th and 7th to discuss what transpired at the Principal Officer meeting in Washington, DC on June 28th, as well as several ongoing issues that have system wide impact.
We discussed where the nine rank and file committee members would come from and how they would be chosen. Some Locals appoint their respective committee members, and some elect them. Selection is expected to be completed in approximately a month. We will schedule training for the committee shortly after the selections are finalized. As you’ve indicated via the survey, since the rank-and-file committee has to approve any agreement, and they speak directly for you, we will let them know that video updates from them will be a required part of the overall communications plan.
In the meantime, a protocol agreement is being drafted between the parties to discuss how and where the parties will interact during negotiations.
On the second day of the meeting, we discussed the apprenticeship program. While the program is already enshrined in the Agreement, we discussed modifications needed to ensure your contractual rights are not diminished. Since these modifications change the language in the Agreement, they will require ratification by the membership. The document with the changes will be finalized shortly and sent out to you for ratification.
We concluded the meeting discussing the need to get the Business Agents together as soon as possible to discuss the survey results with them and the rank-and-file committee. As reported in the last Dispatch the survey concluded that approximately 59% of those participating, after deleting all but the most recent of those making multiple entries, wished to engage in typical Section 6 bargaining and open the entire Agreement. That is the direction the committee will take moving forward. Look for further updates as the process continues.
Fraternally,
Vinny Graziano
Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Principal Officer Meeting in Washington D.C.
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.
RE: Principal Officer Meeting in Washington D.C.
Brothers and Sisters,
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.
The message the PO's hammered home was that communication is key to this process. To address this concern, we currently have email addresses for approximately 50% of the membership and this will be the primary vehicle for delivering notices of updates. Based on the previous survey results one of the preferred methods that you identified was video updates from the rank-and-file group bargaining on your behalf. We will be looking at YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms to provide this service to you.
The next step is to discuss this outcome with the Business Agents from around the system next week. We are scheduled to meet on July 6th and 7th at Local 769.
Once the rank-and-file committee members are selected training will be provided to them. The committee will also be reviewing contract proposals for the purpose of building an opening proposal. As of today, the online proposal form is now closed.
Look for official updates on the committee make up in future Dispatches.
In solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Survey Closed and Contract Proposals Remain Open
The survey is now closed. Thank you to all that participated. The results will be compiled and shared with the Principal Officers in Washington D.C. next week.
Reminder: Survey Closed and Contract Proposals Remain Open
Brothers and Sisters,
The survey is now closed. Thank you to all that participated. The results will be compiled and shared with the Principal Officers in Washington D.C. next week.
The contract proposal form remains open until notice is sent out closing this part of the process. The link for the proposal form is, https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAAN__sP246RUNEI5VFNLTzZLVzdTR0VOTU84SEM4TEhPVC4u
Fraternally,
Vinny Graziano
Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Amended sick leave policy
United informed the IBT that they were amending the current sick leave policy. We informed the company that this is their policy, and we did not agree to the amendments. We don’t believe the policy is fair or just, and we will do everything to make sure local laws and the CBA are followed.
June 24, 2022
RE: Amended sick leave policy
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
United informed the IBT that they were amending the current sick leave policy. We informed the company that this is their policy, and we did not agree to the amendments. We don’t believe the policy is fair or just, and we will do everything to make sure local laws and the CBA are followed.
While the company does retain the right to create and change company policy, the Union stands ready to vigorously defend your rights. We will dispute any points assessed to our members that run contrary to the language in the agreement, or local laws protecting the use of paid time off.
In Solidarity,
Vincent Graziano
Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Industry Reset
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.
Re: Industry Reset
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
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. Even though this process could be started later this year, we’ve asked Economist Dan Akins to begin reviewing the increases at both Delta and American Airlines. After the parties meet later this year to apply the provisions of the LOA, we will report the results. Given what has transpired in the industry this year, we believe the reset will provide an adjustment again. Hopefully that clears up any confusion.
In solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Mechanics Dispatch
Reminder Survey and Contract Proposals Brothers and Sisters, This is a reminder to complete the survey regarding the direction your Rank and File Negotiating Committee will take on your behalf. The survey will close on June 24th. The link for the survey is:
June 10, 2022
Brothers and Sisters,
Reminder Survey and Contract Proposals Brothers and Sisters, This is a reminder to complete the survey regarding the direction your Rank and File Negotiating Committee will take on your behalf. The survey will close on June 24th. The link for the survey is:
Additionally, contract proposal form remains open until notice is sent out closing this part of the process. The link for the proposal form is:
Fraternally,
Vinny Graziano
Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
UAL Survey and Contract Proposals
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
June 3, 2022
Brothers and Sisters,
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
Additionally, contract proposal form remains open until notice is sent out closing this part of the process. The link for the proposal form is, https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAAN__sP246RUNEI5VFNLTzZLVzdTR0VOTU84SEM4TEhPVC4u
Fraternally,
Vinny Graziano
Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Survey and Contract Proposals
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.
May 24, 2022
Re: Survey and Contract Proposals
Brothers and Sisters,
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.
To be clear, whatever direction the membership chooses is completely up to you and we will proceed accordingly. Several members asked after the last survey what the pros and cons of each choice were. While there are several factors to consider, below are the basic pros and cons to each method.
For limited issue bargaining the pros would be a somewhat reduced time to negotiate a new Agreement. The downside would be that provisions that were not a higher priority, as defined by membership input, would remain as they currently are.
For normal negotiations the pros would be that every provision would be subject to scrutiny and possible negotiations to achieve gains. The downside is that bargaining unlimited issues means the timeframe to reach an Agreement would be increased.
In order to better communicate what is happening during negotiations, which came through loud and clear as a top priority, the survey will require your personal email address to complete. No company email addresses will be used for communication as they are stored on the company server. Thank you for participating in this survey, and we look forward to helping your committee achieve an industry leading Agreement on your behalf.
The link for the survey is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8XMPH2W
Additionally, the contract proposal form remains open until further notice. The link for the proposal form is: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAAN__sP246RUNEI5VFNLTzZLVzdTR0VOTU84SEM4TEhPVC4u.
Fraternally,
Joe Ferreira
Director, Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Aircraft Maintenance Technician Day
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.
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.
The First AMT was Charles E. Taylor, or "Charlie." He was the Wright Brothers Technician. Sadly, history almost forgot the contributions that Charlie made to aviation. When Orville and Wilbur needed an engine to power their Wright Glider, they were unable to find a manufacturer who could build one to their specifications. This is when they turned to Charlie. Having helped build and assemble a lot of the parts for the Wright Flyer, the Wrights asked Charlie if he could build the engine. The answer was, "Sure".
Starting from a solid block of metal and using basic tools such as a drill, lathe and some simple hand tools, Charlie built the first aircraft engine and all this from a rough drawing made on a napkin! The Wrights determined they needed an engine that could not weigh more than 180 pounds and had to deliver 8-9 horsepower. With the skill, knowledge and integrity Charlie possessed he provided the Wrights with a four-cylinder engine with four-inch stroke and four-inch bore weighing 150 ponds and delivering 13 horsepower on the brake. All this was done in only six weeks! This engine was more than capable of carrying the weight of 625 pounds of machines and man.
In December 1903, history was made. But history almost forgot the man who helped turn the Wright Glider into the Wright Flyer.
Like Charlie, thousands of skilled and professional men and women have followed in his footsteps. These men and women carry the burden of an incredible weight. That weight is aircraft safety!
As a certified AMT myself, I take great pride in all of them for fixing it right the first time.
Joe Ferreira
Director, Teamsters Airline Division
Visit to SFO
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.
May 17, 2022
Brothers and Sisters,
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.
Unfortunately, there was an incident in South San Francisco on the evening of the 10th that meant a couple members of the team couldn't join the walk around on the 11th while they dealt with the aftermath of the prior evening's event. We will try to get back to SFO as the schedule permits so that those Reps can meet with those they missed.
There were questions about upcoming negotiations as well as feedback on areas of concern expressed by representatives and members alike. We relayed that we had no concrete information on the upcoming negotiations as plans are still being formed but we let everyone know that as soon as clear direction was given, we would report to the membership as a whole. We discussed communications and how we were attempting to change both the delivery method and content for future updates. Look for more on that in the coming months.
We discussed with everyone the need for a two-question survey regarding limited issue bargaining versus opening the whole Agreement as the answer in the last survey was unclear. At this point the company is in receipt of our Section Six notice which states that all provisions are open. This was done to ensure your rights were protected regardless of which path you ultimately choose to pursue. After that question is answered, and the Principal Officers meet, we'll enter a protocol agreement with the carrier that spells out broadly how bargaining will work. This agreement will address things such as scheduling dates and which expenses are shared as well as other structural issues to be covered surrounding the bargaining process.
Look for further updates as developments occur.
Fraternally,
Vinny Graziano
Airline Division
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
UAL Airbus Update
Representatives from the Airline Division were notified on Friday, April 8 that United Airlines has finalized plans for outsourcing narrow-body heavy maintenance work to MRO facilities in Columbia and El Salvador. Thirty-two Airbus Aircraft remain parked due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Dear Members,
Representatives from the Airline Division were notified on Friday, April 8 that United Airlines has finalized plans for outsourcing narrow-body heavy maintenance work to MRO facilities in Columbia and El Salvador. Thirty-two Airbus Aircraft remain parked due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
All of them must be up to date with the required FAA maintenance checks before they can be returned to service. All but five aircraft are scheduled to undergo maintenance in the US in later months this year and the following year, however, the carrier wants this equipment back in service as soon as possible. For that purpose, the carrier determined they would send the first five of these aircraft to facilities outside of the United States.
This is a direct violation of Article 1 B. 11: The Company shall not perform any regularly scheduled heavy maintenance, with the exception of only B767, B777, B787, B747 and A350 fleets, in a non-U.S. location without the Union’s approval.
The language is clear and unambiguous, narrow body aircraft heavy checks MUST be done within the US!
During a meeting in Houston in the last week in March, United Airlines Tech Ops advised the Airline Division of the challenges it was confronting regarding current capacity within the United States and the time constraints to meet the needed demand.
The IBT Airline Division representatives identified alternative ideas that would allow the work to be brought back in house for all 32 of these aircraft and more. The counter-proposal was for the carrier to examine the long-term benefits of restarting an Airbus Heavy-check line staffed by UAL Teamster Technicians at any one of the current base maintenance stations. Rather than respond to this reasonable and favorable counter proposal, the carrier opted to willfully violate the agreement.
To say we are disappointed is an understatement. The Airline Division has officially objected to this, and we will appeal the Carrier’s decision to expedited arbitration as provided for in Article 1.
In Solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
National Mechanic and Technician Coordinator
Teamsters Airline Division
Heavy Check Arbitration
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.
March 31st, 2022
Re: Heavy Check Arbitration
All SFO IBT Members,
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.
We are now in receipt of the arbitration decision regarding that grievance.
With respect to Article 1, the arbitrator ruled that the Company was not in violation of the CBA because 'force majeure' was in effect due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Regarding LOA #3, the decision was a bit more nuanced. The arbitrator decided that the "trip wires were indeed activated" by the COVID-19 pandemic allowing the company to discontinue Heavy Check work at SFO, but that the Company also violated LOA #3 by not providing replacement work at SFO.
But he also ruled that the decision only applied to Dock 6 Heavy Check and not the Dock 3 Heavy Check. That's because of the company claim, which the union vehemently disputed, that the closing of Dock 3 heavy check was not related to the pandemic at all and that they had informed the Union sometime in 2019 that they were going to discontinue the Dock 3 heavy check in 2020! In other words, the pandemic grounding the entire fleet in March was just a coincidence!
This aspect of the arbitration decision was extremely disappointing but in the grand scheme of things really did not mean much because the arbitrator further mitigated the company responsibility for this violation by concluding that replacement work for the Dock 6 heavy check was only required between August 26th, 2020, when the last Dock 6 heavy check was released, and October 1st 2020, when the CARES act expired, which we still cannot understand despite repeated reviews of the decision.
Finally, the arbitrator remanded the issue of remedy for the replacement work violation back to both parties for discussion for 60 days. If no agreement is reached, then the arbitrator will review and decide the appropriate remedy.
The bottom line is that the Company will not be compelled to bring back heavy checks to San Francisco maintenance base, except if it agreed to in the upcoming negotiations. Period.
We will continue to update you on any further developments going forward.
Mark DesAngles - IBT Local 986
Javier Lectora - IBT Local 856
Teamsters Airline Division - SFO Point
Airline Division Director Update
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.
March 28, 2022
Dear Members,
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.
General President O'Brien tasked me with growing this Division, and I intend to do just that. In my opinion, the best way to bring in new members is to serve the current members well. To that end, a meeting with Greg and Division Representatives took place at Headquarters in Washington D.C. last week. During this meeting our team discussed the current state of bargaining and grievance processing on all properties. We also discussed how to best move forward. While nothing was finalized at this introductory meeting, one thing I expressed to the team was that, when we can, we need to be out in the field talking with representatives and members alike to receive and act on feedback.
Communication will be the key to our success. In the next coming months, it is my plan to travel with Greg and meet as many of your Local leaders as possible. Please stay tuned for further updates as this transition unfolds.
In Solidarity,
Joe Ferreira
Airline Division Director
International Brotherhood of Teamsters