Safety Reminder
The explosive growth at United resulted in the addition of over two thousand technicians in a brief period of time. This scenario has resulted in many of our new technicians being thrust into situations that put them in the unenviable position of having to perform tasks that they are unfamiliar with and with no experienced technicians to guide them. As dedicated technicians, you provide a safe and on-time product and the expanded fleet and workload have put a strain on all of you. For that reason, I am asking that we all take a step back and look at how we perform our work. It is our responsibility to make sure that we are following the policies and procedures. Read and follow the paperwork! Never sign for work that you have not performed without first verifying that the job has been completed properly. Make sure to follow the LOTO procedures on every job. Ensure that you have adequate manpower when moving aircraft. When using equipment around the aircraft please follow established company procedures and make sure to use the proper PPE.
4/22/24
Brothers and Sisters,
The explosive growth at United resulted in the addition of over two thousand technicians in a brief period of time. This scenario has resulted in many of our new technicians being thrust into situations that put them in the unenviable position of having to perform tasks that they are unfamiliar with and with no experienced technicians to guide them. As dedicated technicians, you provide a safe and on-time product and the expanded fleet and workload have put a strain on all of you. For that reason, I am asking that we all take a step back and look at how we perform our work. It is our responsibility to make sure that we are following the policies and procedures. Read and follow the paperwork! Never sign for work that you have not performed without first verifying that the job has been completed properly. Make sure to follow the LOTO procedures on every job. Ensure that you have adequate manpower when moving aircraft. When using equipment around the aircraft please follow established company procedures and make sure to use the proper PPE.
If you run into complications that will impact your ability to perform your job safely, or impact ETR, whether it is parts, process or equipment advise your lead or supervisor immediately and work toward a solution.
Your safety on the job is paramount. We want you to return home from your shift the same way you came in. We want you to protect your license by following the paperwork. If you do make a mistake or find a hazard or paperwork issue, please file a TSAP as soon as you become aware and let your Shop Steward or Business agent know.
Fraternally,
Chris Moore
Safety Coordinator, Airline Division
Negotiations Update
The members have spoken and the offer from the company was rejected. We will reach out to the company to secure dates for future bargaining. Further details will be shared when dates are secured. Thank you for your participation in this ratification process.
Negotiation Committee Members:
Mitch Hunt - DEN
Dave Mahood - EWR
Blake Silverstein - IAD
Dexter Thomas - IAH
Scott Stoddart - LAX
Mike Blomquist - MCO
Mike Pecoraro - ORD
Joseph Prisco - SFO
John Laurin - SFO
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The members have spoken and the offer from the company was rejected. We will reach out to the company to secure dates for future bargaining. Further details will be shared when dates are secured. Thank you for your participation in this ratification process.
In solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
Teamsters Airline Division
Tentative Agreement Vote Tally
A conference call has been set up for April 17 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time to listen to the vote tally. United Airlines Teamsters are encouraged to call in. Dial-in information is listed below:
A conference call has been set up for April 17 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time to listen to the vote tally. United Airlines Teamsters are encouraged to call in. Dial-in information is listed below:
DIAL-IN NUMBER- 844-291-6355
ACCESS CODE – 920959
Foreign Repair Testing Comments
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) is pleased to provide comments to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) entitled Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certain Maintenance Provider Employees Located Outside of the United States. The Teamsters are proud to represent tens of thousands of members in the aviation industry who ensure, and rely on, the safety of aircraft and of our National Airspace System. This includes pilots and flight attendants for whom planes are their workplaces, and demand that aircraft be maintained safely, regardless of where the maintenance is performed. Important to this rulemaking, this also includes the world’s most highly skilled maintenance technicians, who maintain aircraft across the nation and whose work is increasingly threatened by carriers’ outsourcing schemes which place profit above safety.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certain Maintenance Provider Employees Located Outside of the United States
[Docket No. FAA-2012-1058 Notice No. 24-05]
Federal Aviation Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
April 5, 2024
Prepared by:
Cole Scandaglia, Senior Legislative
Representative and Policy Advisor
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) is pleased to provide comments to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) entitled Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certain Maintenance Provider Employees Located Outside of the United States. The Teamsters are proud to represent tens of thousands of members in the aviation industry who ensure, and rely on, the safety of aircraft and of our National Airspace System. This includes pilots and flight attendants for whom planes are their workplaces, and demand that aircraft be maintained safely, regardless of where the maintenance is performed. Important to this rulemaking, this also includes the world’s most highly skilled maintenance technicians, who maintain aircraft across the nation and whose work is increasingly threatened by carriers’ outsourcing schemes which place profit above safety.
Through this NPRM, the FAA proposes to require certificated repair stations located outside the territory of the United States whose employees perform safety-sensitive maintenance functions on certain air carrier aircraft to obtain and implement a drug and alcohol testing program. The Teamsters support this rulemaking in the strongest possible terms and urge the expeditious adoption of a final rulemaking.
Currently, employees of part 145 repair stations located outside the territory of the United States and who perform safety-sensitive maintenance functions on part 121 air carrier aircraft are not subject to the Department of Transportation’s drug and alcohol testing program. This deficiency is one of a number of safety oversight requirements that only attach to maintenance performed domestically. In total, the amount of heavy maintenance being performed at foreign stations has increased dramatically over the last 30 years as has FAA’s certification of foreign stations, which now stands at above 900 facilities.
The Teamsters have long argued for a single level of safety, and that the current “two-tiered’ system of regulation is inappropriate and fundamentally unsafe. Further, the ability of air carriers to evade regulatory responsibilities and the attendant costs of those responsibilities has undoubtedly played a role in the continued outsourcing of heavy maintenance. Thankfully, Congress has agreed, mandating the FAA promulgate rulemaking requiring drug and alcohol testing programs for these part 145 employees – in 2012 via section 308 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act, and again in 2016 via section 2112 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, when FAA failed to act following the 2012 directive. We have been deeply disappointed with the failure of the FAA to respond to original the Congressional mandate for over a decade.
However, with the publication of this NPRM, FAA is finally taking steps towards satisfying both Congressional intent and the interests of our members. We strongly commend the agency, the Department, and the Biden Administration for finally acting to better ensure safety in our skies and at our workplaces.
Application of Part 40
As FAA discusses, 49 USC 44733(d) requires covered employees to be “subject to an alcohol and controlled substances testing program determined acceptable by the Administrator and consistent with the applicable laws of the country in which the repair station is located”. Through this NPRM, FAA has correctly defined an “acceptable” testing program by simply applying existing part 120 and part 40 standards, stating that the agency “has long held that the standards… are acceptable drug and alcohol testing programs for the aforementioned safety-sensitive functions”. The Teamsters agree. It would be inappropriate and inconsistent with Congressional intent to only apply these sections in part, given the wide and consistent application of the regulations to DOT-regulated safety sensitive aviation workers, and transportation workers more broadly. Further, the Teamsters would strongly oppose the creation of a patchwork system in which foreign entities could be invited to propose “equivalent” testing programs to satisfy the statutory requirement. DOT’s reliance on existing part 40 standards to address the use of alcohol and controlled substances for domestic covered employees clearly necessitates an identical application for any further employees entered into its testing programs. The FAA should maintain this determination and application in its final rule.
Exemptions and Waivers to Drug and Alcohol Program Requirements
Under Section 120.9 the FAA proposes to create an exemption process by which a entity can request an exemption if they demonstrate that “specific requirements of the subpart are inconsistent with the laws of the country where the repair station is located” and provide “a description of the alternative means that will be used to achieve the objectives of the provision that is the subject of the waiver or, if applicable, a justification of why it would be impossible to achieve the objectives of the provision in any way”.
In the event the rule includes an exemption process, the Teamsters strongly support a narrowly tailored process and commend the FAA for proposing such a mechanism. The provision of exemptions predicated on other factors like revenue or workforce size would be clearly inappropriate in the pursuit of one level of safety across maintenance providers and contradict Congressional intent.
In the NPRM, FAA requires the submission of six elements which must be included in a waiver request, including:
(1) Information about your organization, including your name and mailing address and, if you wish, other contact information such as a fax number, telephone number, or email address;
(2) The specific section or sections of this part from which you seek a waiver;
(3) The reasons why granting the waiver would not adversely affect the prevention of accidents and injuries resulting from the use of prohibited drugs or the misuse of alcohol by employees;
(4) A copy of the law that is inconsistent with the provision(s) of this part from which a waiver is sought;
(5) An explanation of how the law is inconsistent with the provision(s) of this part from which a waiver is sought, and;
(6) A description of the alternative means that will be used to achieve the objectives of the provision that is the subject of the waiver or, if applicable, a justification of why it would be impossible to achieve the objectives of the provision in any way.
Taken together, these elements provide an adequately high bar for the granting of an exemption request. In particular, we urge FAA to adopt a negative presumption under element #3 – all exemption requests should be considered under the assumption that a waiver will adversely affect accidents and injuries unless categorically proven otherwise.
In regard to element #4 and #5, we urge the FAA to adopt a narrow interpretation of “inconsistency” and require that the provider cite laws that would explicitly be inconsistent with the rule’s mandate. The FAA must not determine inconsistency based on speculative interpretations of laws with hypothetical or tangential relevance – the provider must prove that the law, in plain reading, prohibits the implementation of a section(s) of the final rule. In implementing element #6, the FAA should consider alternative measures where appropriate which uphold the core requirements of the rule. If the FAA believes that countries’ laws on indirect but adjacent issues such as data privacy are inconsistent, the Teamsters encourage the FAA to mandate tailored requirements which still retain Part 40 compliant random drug and alcohol testing regimes while identifying means of compliance to deal with specific attendant issues.
In reviewing comments filed to the docket before the filing deadline, we observe that several commenters suggest that national laws which prohibit drug consumption are adequate substitutes for the testing requirement in this rule, and facilities in those nations should be exempted under 120.9. Given that the DOT testing panel also covers substances which are also illicit in the United States, as well as substances which are illicit barring a legitimate prescription, it is unclear why these commenters believe this presents an inconsistency, and FAA should not view them as such.
Impact on International Agreements
In the discussion of the NPRM, FAA notes that opposing commenters to the ANPRM argued that the FAA does not have the authority to promulgate the rule and cannot impose regulations on persons outside the territory of the U.S. where those regulations conflict with the laws of sovereign nations. We believe that FAA has satisfied this concern via the proposed exemption process.
FAA also notes that commenters opposed unilateral application of drug and alcohol testing regulations pointed to the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements (BASA) that the U.S. is a party to and expressed that the rulemaking violates components of existing BASAs. FAA acknowledges that “to the extent that BASA provisions concerning notice and consultation are applicable to the proposed regulations, the FAA intends to follow those provision” and critically that “commenters have not identified any specific BASAs that are in conflict with the statutory requirements this proposed rule would implement, nor is FAA aware of any at this time”.
We strongly agree with the FAA and commend its conclusion in this regard. Opponents of this proposal have long lodged empty complaints of impacts on international agreements in the hope of derailing efforts to conduct random drug and alcohol testing and foreign providers, while failing provide convincing evidence of any such conflicts. There has been no evidence presented which demonstrates that our international obligations are inherently in conflict with this proposal, and FAA should not permit these concerns to impact its rulemaking.
Part 121 Directly Employed
FAA states that “in addition, the FAA is considering how best to deter drug and alcohol misuse for any aircraft mechanic working on a part 121 aircraft regardless of how that mechanic is employed. Therefore, the FAA seeks comments as to whether the testing requirements in this proposed rule should be extended to foreign aircraft mechanics working directly for part 121 carriers”.
While we understand that the coverage of the rule for foreign aircraft mechanics working directly for part 121 carriers is not Congressionally directed, we encourage the FAA to adopt the testing requirement for these mechanics. From the Teamsters perspective, we note that in June of 2023, United Airlines, whose technicians we represent, opened its first foreign maintenance hangar at Rio de Janeiro International Airport in Brazil, where it directly employs mechanics. In part, the facility has absorbed maintenance work previously being performed by part 145 contract facilities in China. It is our understanding that other part 121 carriers have or are considering similar operations.
Given that the rule intends to eliminate an aviation maintenance ecosystem in which the ability to uphold single level of safety is predicated on the geographic location of the maintenance facility, it holds logically that all aircraft mechanics working on part 121 aircraft should be captured by this rulemaking. In the event that FAA does not adopt this requirement, the rule may create a perverse incentive to simply move maintenance from a contracted part 145 facility to an in-house facility where the airline can evade the regulatory costs associated with compliance.
Alternatives
The FAA proposes two alternatives to the NPRM. First, maintaining status quo, and second that the FAA would work through the International Civil Aviation Organization to create an international standard for drug and alcohol testing of maintenance personnel at repair stations. The FAA correctly identifies that both alternatives violate the Congressional mandate. The Teamsters concur, and strongly oppose both alternative proposals.
Conclusion
The Teamsters applaud the FAA, DOT, and the Biden Administration in the strongest terms for the publication of this long overdue and historic rulemaking. Encompassing the recommended changes discussed above, we urge the FAA to move expeditiously to promulgate a final rule which will promote a single level of safety in aviation maintenance and remove incentives to outsource maintenance rooted in the cost savings of regulatory avoidance. We look forward to working with the FAA on implementation, and on other matters impacting Teamsters Airline Division members.
Ratification Update
Instructions on how to vote electronically, including Voting Credentials, on the above-referenced Tentative Agreement will be mailed to members today, Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
Please post the attached “Notice of Referendum” at the Local Union Hall, on all worksite bulletin boards, and any other appropriate places.
BallotPoint Election Services has been contracted to administer this election.
Brothers and Sisters,
Below is the notice of referendum on the TA.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Local Unions 19, 25, 104, 210, 455, 769, 781, 856, 964, and 986
FROM: Robert Fisher, Interim Director
Teamsters Airline Division
DATE: March 27, 2024
RE: United Airlines Technicians and Related Tentative Agreement
Instructions on how to vote electronically, including Voting Credentials, on the above-referenced Tentative Agreement will be mailed to members today, Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
Please post the attached “Notice of Referendum” at the Local Union Hall, on all worksite bulletin boards, and any other appropriate places.
BallotPoint Election Services has been contracted to administer this election.
NEW or REPLACEMENT VOTING CREDENTIAL:
Beginning 11:00 A.M. (Eastern Time) on Monday, April 8, 2024, BallotPoint will open the “United Airlines Technicians and Related Re-Credentialing System” for the Locals to request new or re-credential voting credentials and instructions for individual members. The Local will handle any requests from members, confirm that the individual is an eligible voter, and credential them using the “United Airlines Re-credentialing System”.
Requests for new or replacement voting credentials and instructions will be accepted using the web platform through Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
To be counted, members must vote by 11:00 A.M. (Eastern Time) on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Electronic ballots will be tallied by BallotPoint on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. (Eastern Time).
Teamsters 856/986 SFO Members:
If you do not receive your voting credentials by Monday, April 8, 8 a.m., Pacific Time, please contact the following:
Local 856 Members -- (Last Name A-LED)
Contact Marta Pacheco at 650 266 7704 or MPacheco@ibt856.org
Local 986 Members -- (Last Name LEE-Z)
Contact Adriana Sanchez at adriana@teamsters986.org
Mechanics Dispatch - FAA - TSAP - License Protection Program
I would like to discuss the heightened FAA presence that will most likely continue for the next several months. Every one of you is dedicated to your craft and doing the job right the first time. No-one can doubt that. With that said, I'd like to encourage you to double check that you're using the proper procedures for every task you perform. If you do make an honest mistake, please file a TSAP as soon as possible. Stay alert and safe, don't become a news story. Finally, please keep in mind that we have the license protection program to defend you should you need it.
March 26, 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I would like to discuss the heightened FAA presence that will most likely continue for the next several months. Every one of you is dedicated to your craft and doing the job right the first time. No-one can doubt that. With that said, I'd like to encourage you to double check that you're using the proper procedures for every task you perform. If you do make an honest mistake, please file a TSAP as soon as possible. Stay alert and safe, don't become a news story. Finally, please keep in mind that we have the license protection program to defend you should you need it.
In solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
Updated financial Power Point deck posted
Many members were questioning the use of the actual average hours for the group in the assumption charts. These members were asking for a straight time only version of the assumptions. I asked our economist to redo the deck showing only straight time hours at 2080 per year. The new deck is posted at https://teamster.org/united-airline-comps/ for your review.
Negotiation Committee Members:
Mitch Hunt - DEN
Dave Mahood - EWR
Blake Silverstein - IAD
Dexter Thomas - IAH
Scott Stoddart - LAX
Mike Blomquist - MCO
Mike Pecoraro - ORD
Joseph Prisco - SFO
John Laurin - SFO
March 6, 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Many members were questioning the use of the actual average hours for the group in the assumption charts. These members were asking for a straight time only version of the assumptions. I asked our economist to redo the deck showing only straight time hours at 2080 per year. The new deck is posted at https://teamster.org/united-airline-comps/ for your review.
In solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
Teamsters Airline Division
Tentative Agreement
As you all know by now, your rank-and-file committee has accepted the Agreement in Principle which now turns the AIP into a Tentative Agreement (TA) and is ready for ratification by the membership.
Now it is to you to make a choice. The TA is economically focused and includes a couple of minor, economically speaking, language changes. We urge you to look at all the information and consider the outcome carefully prior to deciding. As with every negotiation, this proposal will satisfy the expectations of some, while falling short for others. Ultimately, the decision is yours whether to ratify this offer or not, and we will stand by your choice.
Negotiation Committee Members:
Mitch Hunt - DEN
Dave Mahood - EWR
Blake Silverstein - IAD
Dexter Thomas - IAH
Scott Stoddart - LAX
Mike Blomquist - MCO
Mike Pecoraro - ORD
Joseph Prisco - SFO
John Laurin - SFO
March 4, 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As you all know by now, your rank-and-file committee has accepted the Agreement in Principle which now turns the AIP into a Tentative Agreement (TA) and is ready for ratification by the membership.
Now it is to you to make a choice. The TA is economically focused and includes a couple of minor, economically speaking, language changes. We urge you to look at all the information and consider the outcome carefully prior to deciding. As with every negotiation, this proposal will satisfy the expectations of some, while falling short for others. Ultimately, the decision is yours whether to ratify this offer or not, and we will stand by your choice.
Below are some highlights of the extension offer:
--The extension is one that matches Southwest Airlines top of scale (TOS) this year and will extend for a term of forty-eight (48) months. The package is valued at one billion dollars in improvements over its life.
--During this year the extension provides a 4% percent increase in August, and a 6.87% increase in December, followed by three percent increases each December until 2027. In December of this year a TOS Technician will receive $68.66/hour.
--The Bridge medical will be extended to run through to 2028.
--There is an additional job protection enhancement which adds a permanent Heavy check line of MX that increases from the current two (2), to three (3).
Finally, the reset calculation runs this December and every 12 months thereafter.
Please feel free to ask questions of your rank-and-file committee members, your Business Agents or the Airline Division if you need clarification on any of the terms.
United Airlines Mechanics & Related 2024 Tentative Agreement Economic Highlights
United Airlines Mechanics & Related 2024 Tentative Agreement Summary
In solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
Teamsters Airline Division
UAL Negotiation Update 2/29/24
Your United Airlines Mechanics and Related Rank-and-File Negotiating Committee recently met at Teamsters Local 19 in Houston to go over the agreement in principle (AIP), with the hope of converting the AIP into a tentative agreement (TA).
Negotiation Committee Members:
Mitch Hunt - DEN
Dave Mahood - EWR
Blake Silverstein - IAD
Dexter Thomas - IAH
Scott Stoddart - LAX
Mike Blomquist - MCO
Mike Pecoraro - ORD
Joseph Prisco - SFO
John Laurin - SFO
February 29, 2024
Your United Airlines Mechanics and Related Rank-and-File Negotiating Committee recently met at Teamsters Local 19 in Houston to go over the agreement in principle (AIP), with the hope of converting the AIP into a tentative agreement (TA).
We spent the day reviewing all the terms of the agreement with our attorney, Josh McInerney, as well as the compensation and benefit proposals with our economist Kyle Schoembs.
As previously stated, this process consists of reviewing all work groups’ "Schedule A” charts and confirming the accuracy of the basic and all-in rates. During our review process this week, we found some discrepancies that needed to be addressed and rectified to reflect the proposal. After conversations with the company, these items were cleared up.
Our attorney went over all the language items again with us to make sure we understood it. The rank-and-file members discussed the company’s proposal and ultimately voted that the employer’s offer was significant enough to warrant a referendum by the membership.
At this time, we have a TA on an extension to our collective bargaining agreement. We are hoping to have details available to all next week while Mr. Schoembs goes over the wages once more (in order to make sure they are correct for every group represented within the bargaining unit).
The voting process on this TA will begin in a couple of weeks, with the conclusion projected to be sometime in mid-April. Ratification will be conducted electronically, using the same process as January of last year. The complete voting timeline will come from the Teamsters Airline Division once the logistics are finalized.
Please be patient as we prepare to get the complete TA ready for you next week.
In solidarity,
Your United Airlines Mechanics and Related Rank-and-File Negotiating Committee
AIP Reached on an Extension
We write to update you on the recent meeting of your UAL IBT negotiating Committee, which took place in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 15, 2024. During this meeting, we were able to reach an Agreement in Principle (AIP) on a new extension to our JCBA. It is exceedingly rare to achieve an agreement prior to the amendable date under the RLA, and if ratified by you, this would become the first seamless contract we’ve seen at this company.
Negotiation Committee Members:
Mitch Hunt - DEN
Dave Mahood - EWR
Blake Silverstein - IAD
Dexter Thomas - IAH
Scott Stoddart - LAX
Mike Blomquist - MCO
Mike Pecoraro - ORD
Joseph Prisco - SFO
John Laurin - SFO
February 16th 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We write to update you on the recent meeting of your UAL IBT negotiating Committee, which took place in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 15, 2024. During this meeting, we were able to reach an Agreement in Principle (AIP) on a new extension to our JCBA. It is exceedingly rare to achieve an agreement prior to the amendable date under the RLA, and if ratified by you, this would become the first seamless contract we’ve seen at this company.
The AIP was achieved after a series of discussions and counterproposals, and it comes ten months prior to the amendable date of our current agreement.
Following this development, our legal and financial teams began immediately reviewing the AIP to finalize the terms agreed upon in this session. Once this process is complete, the committee will review the package to ensure its accuracy, at which point it will become a Tentative Agreement (TA). We will then share the details of the TA with you.
Preparations for electronic voting will also be taking place during this timeframe. Thank you for your patience and support as we work to finalize this extension.
In solidarity,
Your Negotiating Committee
Note: For this session Paul Becerra from MCO stood in for Mike Blomquist
Negotiation Update
The company invited Joe Ferreira, Bob Fisher, Angel Cantu, and I to a meeting in Houston on Wednesday the 24th. At that meeting, the company informed us that they were interested in another extension. We told them the rank-and-file committee would evaluate any offer they might propose. We also relayed that Southwest was the industry leader for wages, and we would need to beat them in any extension offer.
January 30th 2024
Brothers and Sisters,
The company invited Joe Ferreira, Bob Fisher, Angel Cantu, and I to a meeting in Houston on Wednesday the 24th. At that meeting, the company informed us that they were interested in another extension. We told them the rank-and-file committee would evaluate any offer they might propose. We also relayed that Southwest was the industry leader for wages, and we would need to beat them in any extension offer.
Job protection and progression compression were discussed as well. Both sides determined to discuss further with the full committees in the near future.
Nothing was agreed to in this meeting. Look for further updates to follow shortly as we secure dates.
In solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
Mechanics Dispatch: United's Transition to Smart-Choice
The IBT Benefits Committee would like to make sure you are aware of the changes United is making to your HRA/VEBA reimbursement debit card. United announced the transition from Alight’s Your Spending Account (YSA) to their Smart-Choice account toward the end of last year via company email. The final email announcement was made on December 12, 2023, and it contains a link to the Smart-Choice website.
January 11, 2024
Brothers and Sisters,
The IBT Benefits Committee would like to make sure you are aware of the changes United is making to your HRA/VEBA reimbursement debit card. United announced the transition from Alight’s Your Spending Account (YSA) to their Smart-Choice account toward the end of last year via company email. The final email announcement was made on December 12, 2023, and it contains a link to the Smart-Choice website. If you cannot find the email, please refer to this link: https://learn.smartchoiceaccounts.net/UNITED_FSA_HRA?elqTrackId=b10199979c3840e9ad8e4998bf2c62cc&elq=025b49b329b642b49203bdd177098b69&elqaid=1432&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=3837&elqcst=272&elqcsid=2232or via Flying Together > Employee Services > Health & Insurance (YBR). This will provide you with information along with FAQ’s about the new accounts.
Also, according to the company email, the timelines for the transition are as follows:
December 22, 2023 - Last date to use your current United YSA debit card for purchases. After this date please securely dispose of your current United YSA debit card, as it will be deactivated.
December 31, 2023 - Last date to submit claims toward your 2023 balance until after the transition period.
January 1, 2024 - New website and Smart-Choice mobile app available. If applicable, your 2024 coverage and balances begin to become available on the new website, mobile app, and Smart-Choice debit card.
January 1st – January 18th - Transition period for your 2023 IBT balance. You will not have access to your 2023 balance during this time.
January 19, 2024 - Transition period ends. Your 2023 IBT coverage and balances are available on the new website, mobile app, and Smart-Choice debit card. Claims received after December 31, 2023, will be processed against your 2023 balance.
Please refer to the Smart-Choice website for further details. If you have questions or concerns, please submit a Help Hub request via Flying Together > Employee Services > Tools and Resources > Help Hub.
Fraternally,
Mike Moats
IBT Benefits Committee Chairman
Negotiations Update: December 6
Negotiation Committee Members:
Mitch Hunt - DEN
Dave Mahood - EWR
Blake Silverstein - IAD
Dexter Thomas - IAH
Scott Stoddart - LAX
Mike Blomquist - MCO
Mike Pecoraro - ORD
Joseph Prisco - SFO
John Laurin - SFO
Your IBT Negotiating Committee met at Local 769 in Miami the week of December 4, 2023.
We started the week with your Benefits Committee to discuss Article 16 and how we can reduce benefit costs to our members across the board. As discussed at several system meetings, it is our fiduciary responsibility to determine whether TeamCare is an option that we should explore as one of the ways to reduce overall benefits costs to all members.
With that in mind, TeamCare gave us a presentation as to what they can offer our members in reducing the costs of our benefits while improving the overall maintenance of benefits. They gave us a comparison of benefits and costs to give us a preliminary idea of whether they could provide the membership with the cost savings we were looking for. When they finished with their presentation, the benefit and negotiating committees discussed what was presented and then the negotiating committee voted to task the benefit committee with continuing discussions with TeamCare as an option, and to bring back a proposal to the negotiation committee. Reducing Benefits costs was one of the top issues that the members brought up in the survey that needed to be addressed in negotiations.
The afternoon of December 5, your negotiating committee discussed Article 17 “Overtime”. We discussed “will work letters” (a method to auto accept overtime) and job continuation. We also talked about overtime bypasses being an issue and solutions to keep bypasses low and to make sure the system is more constant in application with local issues being addressed by utilizing paragraph J with “Overtime” guidelines.”
Wednesday, December 6, we started with our attorneys, Josh McInnerney and Emily Pantoja, to go over Article 19, “Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures,” and Article 20, “Arbitration.”
We went line by line to change what is broken or not working the way we believe it should work to better protect our members. We went over several solutions to improve the grievance process so our member’s issues are resolved per the agreement. Our attorneys will firm up the changes and return the articles to us and add them to other articles that will be part of our full pass to the company.
We finished the week with a Zoom call with our IBT Economist Kyle Schoembs to go over our wage components and where we are now as compared with other carriers and where we all be through 2026.
Finally, the section 6 notification has been filed and acknowledged by the company. The union is looking for dates in January to meet with the company.
Your IBT Negotiating Committee
App Update: Sign-up Issues Corrected
Some members had difficulty in signing up for the app. There was an anomaly in the list of members birthdates. For these members when a two-digit year was in the block, the program automatically formatted it to add 20 in the front.
Brothers and Sisters,
Some members had difficulty in signing up for the app. There was an anomaly in the list of members birthdates. For these members when a two-digit year was in the block, the program automatically formatted it to add 20 in the front. For instance, if your birth year was 1963, but the data showed 63, the newly formatted data became 2063. That is now fixed, and those members should have no trouble signing up now.
As a reminder the App can be found on the Apple App Store, or Google play.
Fraternally,
Vinny Graziano
Airline Division Representative
Benefits Committee Update
The Benefits Committee convened at Teamsters Local 856 on September 20th and 21st to discuss proposals related to Article 16.
During these two-day meetings, several crucial discussions took place regarding potential changes and enhancements to Article 16. The committee worked diligently to ensure that any proposed changes align with the best interests of our members.
Brothers and Sisters,
The Benefits Committee convened at Teamsters Local 856 on September 20th and 21st to discuss proposals related to Article 16.
During these two-day meetings, several crucial discussions took place regarding potential changes and enhancements to Article 16. The committee worked diligently to ensure that any proposed changes align with the best interests of our members.
The outcomes of these discussions will now be categorized and relayed to the negotiating committee. These proposals will play a pivotal role in future negotiations with the company. When negotiations begin, the committee will reconvene as necessary to assist the negotiating committee with any benefit-related questions or concerns.
The committee members present were Dave Mahood – EWR, Gary Kagel – MCO, Caleb Good – ORD, Mike Brooks – DEN, Mike Clabaugh and Dexter Thomas – IAH, Steve Loone and Steve Crummey – SFO, Roger Kanakaole – HNL, and John Pangelinan – GUM.
In solidarity,
Mike Moats
IBT Benefits Coordinator
App Update
We are pleased to announce the official launch of the Airline Division app, now available for download. The app is easily accessible via both the Google Play Store and the App Store. Simply search for "Airline Division" and select the app distinguished by the AD logo.
App Update
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We are pleased to announce the official launch of the Airline Division app, now available for download. The app is easily accessible via both the Google Play Store and the App Store. Simply search for "Airline Division" and select the app distinguished by the AD logo.
Click here to download in the App Store.
Click here to download in the Google Play Store.
This app represents a significant advancement aimed at optimizing communication channels within our membership. As we approach the early stages of bargaining in the coming year, this app will serve as a vital tool to enhance connectivity, streamline information dissemination, and foster a sense of unity among our members.
In Solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
Teamsters Airline Division
Negotiations Update
Your IBT committee met in Covina at Local 986. Our focus during this meeting was to continue preparing for our upcoming face-to-face negotiations with the Company.
Mitch Hunt - DEN
Dave Mahood - EWR
Blake Silverstein - IAD
Dexter Thomas - IAH
Scott Stoddart - LAX
Mike Blomquist - MCO
Mike Pecoraro - ORD
Joseph Prisco - SFO
John Laurin - SFO
Your IBT committee met in Covina at Local 986. Our focus during this meeting was to continue preparing for our upcoming face-to-face negotiations with the Company.
The week began with an in-depth review of the survey results that you, our members, participated in. We want to express our gratitude for your valuable input. Although there was substantial information to sift through, we were pleased to discover that the committee's priorities align with your concerns. Your feedback has been instrumental in guiding our efforts.
In addition to reviewing the survey results, we have diligently checked the survey proposals you submitted. Each proposal is crucial in shaping our negotiating stance and ensuring your voices are heard.
During the meeting, we successfully concluded discussions on Article 6, which pertains to Reduction in Force, and Article 18, which addresses Union Representation. These articles were voted on and added to our comprehensive package to be presented to the Company during our face-to-face negotiations. Your committee believes these additions will strengthen our position and benefit our members.
To wrap up the week, we discussed potential improvements to Article 8 Holidays and Article 9 Vacation. The committee thoroughly reviewed and voted on these articles, marking another step towards enhancing the benefits and working conditions for our members.
Your ongoing support and engagement are invaluable, and we will continue to keep you updated as we progress.
Survey open
The rank and file committee has fielded a bargaining survey. Please follow this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/96SV3R9
Brothers and Sisters,
The rank and file committee has fielded a bargaining survey. Please follow this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/96SV3R9
I've received several questions about the rank and file committee. This committee is comprised of members that work under the terms of the contract. In bargaining, by majority vote, they determine what is agreed upon. At the end of bargaining they determine whether the terms are acceptable to bring to a membership vote. This vote is commonly referred to as converting the package to a TA or Tentative Agreement. You will hear more from the rank and file committee as bargaining progresses.
Per the committee's request, the survey will be open for 30 days. It should take around five minutes to complete.
In solidarity,
Vinny Graziano
2023 Grievance Committee Election Results
Dale Mitchell has been elected Jet Shop Chief Steward. His term will begin Friday, September 1, 2023.
Jet Shop Chief Steward Election Results
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Dale Mitchell has been elected Jet Shop Chief Steward.
His term will begin Friday, September 1, 2023.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the vote and election process and thank you to Deborah Ward-Crummey for her service as a chief steward.
Grievance Committee Nominations Results
June 6, 2023
Nominations for the 2023-2026 Grievance Committee term were accepted at the SFO Base IBT office May 30 though June 1, 2023. Below are the results.
Grievance Committee Coordinator:
Fred Wood – unopposed, elected by acclamation
Grievance Committee Secretary:
John Johnson – unopposed, elected by acclamation
Back Shops Chief Steward:
Maurice McDonald – unopposed, elected by acclamation
Facilities Chief Steward:
Greg Sullivan – unopposed, elected by acclamation
Jet Shop Chief Steward:
Dale Mitchell
Deborah Ward-Crummey
Line Maintenance Chief Steward:
Justin Sharp – unopposed, elected by acclamation
Areas in which the chief steward ran unopposed will not receive ballots.
Jet Shop Chief Steward Election Procedure:
Voting for the Jet Shop Chief Steward will be conducted by BallotPoint. Jet Shop members in good standing will receive voting instructions in the mail the week of June 19, 2023. Further information to follow.
If you have recently moved, please make sure your address is up-to-date with your Local by Friday, June 9, 2023, to make sure you receive your voting instructions.
Local 856 members (Last name A – Led):
Please contact Marta Pacheco at (650) 635-0111 x 7704 or MPacheco@ibt856.org
Local 986 members (Last name Lee – Z):
Please contact Adriana Sanchez at 1-626-350-9860 x112 or adriana@teamsters986.org
Grievance Committee Election Guidelines 2023
The positions that are open for nominations are as follows: Coordinator, Grievance Secretary, Jet Shop Chief Steward, Line Chief Steward, Back Shops Chief Steward, and Facilities Chief Steward.
Term shall be for three years.
All nominations must be submitted between May 30 through June 1, 2023, at the SFO Base IBT office between the hours of 0400 and 1600. Local 856 Business Agent Javier Lectora and/or Local 986 Business Agent Mark DesAngles will be present to verify receipt of all nomination forms.
A written Nomination/Acceptance form will be provided and may be submitted on behalf of any nominee not present to accept the nomination in person. Forms will be available upon request at the SFO Base IBT Office.
Nominees must be a member in good standing and be current on dues payments at the time of nomination. Once elected, you will be required occasionally to cover all 3 shifts. Most importantly, enforce the CBA and NOT bring disparage/reproach upon the Locals and/or the IBT.
The election process will begin within 15 working days of the completion of nominations
Only members in good standing will be eligible to vote. The member’s address on file at the Local Unions will be utilized to mail voting instructions. Members are encouraged to contact their respective Local to ensure their mailing address is current. (Members with the last name A-LED, should call Local 856 at 650 635 0111 and members with the last name LEE-Z, should call 626 350 9860.)
The vote will be administered by BallotPoint. Members will receive voting instructions in the mail and will be able to cast their ballots online or via telephone.
Duplicate ballot request procedures will be communicated prior to the commencement of the voting period.
Upon conclusion of the ballot count, newly elected committee members will be contacted in writing by Local 856 Business Agent Javier Lectora and/or Local 986 Business Agent Mark DesAngles.
Newly elected positions will take effect in September 2023.
At any time during the 3-year term, the membership may petition the local union to remove a committee person. A minimum of 25% of the members in the eligible voting group must sign the petition for it be considered by the Local Union. Upon receipt of a valid petition for removal, a committee made up of local union Business Agents shall conduct an investigation to evaluate the merits of the request. At the conclusion of the investigation, the local union will announce its finding and will determine if the removal of the committee person prior to the conclusion of their elected term is warranted.
UAL Mechanics Dispatch - 7.17.2023
The IBT Rank and File Negotiating Committee convened in Boston, Massachusetts at Local 25, the week of July 10, 2023.
The Committee started the week discussing the need for another survey to ensure the committee is still on the same page as the membership’s priorities. In the end, it was agreed that a survey was necessary due to the time since the last survey has been over a year and the memberships dynamics have changed (due to new members being hired since the last survey). The Committee formulated a survey, agreed upon its contents, and it will be electronically sent out to membership.
Negotiation Committee Members:
Mitch Hunt - DEN
Dave Mahood - EWR
Blake Silverstein - IAD
Dexter Thomas - IAH
Scott Stoddart - LAX
Paul Becerra - MCO
Mike Pecoraro - ORD
Joseph Prisco - SFO
John Laurin - SFO
July 17, 2023
The IBT Rank and File Negotiating Committee convened in Boston, Massachusetts at Local 25, the week of July 10, 2023.
The Committee started the week discussing the need for another survey to ensure the committee is still on the same page as the membership’s priorities. In the end, it was agreed that a survey was necessary due to the time since the last survey has been over a year and the memberships dynamics have changed (due to new members being hired since the last survey). The Committee formulated a survey, agreed upon its contents, and it will be electronically sent out to membership.
Additionally, we continued reviewing and finalizing more of the non-economic articles in the agreement. The following articles were finalized and voted on by the Committee and are ready to present to the Company when negotiations reconvene this coming December 2023: Articles 10-Leaves of Absence, 11-Sick Leave, 12-Field Trips, 14-Safety and Health, 5-Vaccancies, 21-General and Misc.
The Team finished the week beginning a review of the LOA’s, going through them to see where improvements can be made or if it is more advantageous to incorporate a particular LOA into areas of the agreement. The remaining Articles require the guidance of our legal team to help make sure we incorporate the best language possible to protect our members.
The Committee is slated to meet on the west coast in the near future to continue the review of the non-economic Articles and LOAs.
Fraternally,
Your IBT U.A.L. Negotiating Committee