10,000 Jobs And Amfa!

[twuer]

Go away for a few days and nothing changes. Cio is still up to his old tricks.

Article 1: Recognition and Scope.

" IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT NOTHING IN THIS ARTICLE REQUIRES THE MAINTENANCE OF THE PRESENT VOLUME OF WORK."

TEAAM TWU SUCKS! :down: :down: :down: :down:

Oh, you were gone for a few days???? Sorry, I didn't even notice!! Welcome back TonyB!!

 

[NyQuill]

I love it when fat boys cuss...HAHAHAHAHA

National AFL-CIO and its Transportation Unions Call for
Immediate Halt to U.S. Aircraft Being Repaired Overseas
Security Risks, Lax Oversight Spur Petition for Immediate Government Action


Washington, D.C. – Citing potential threats to safety and security and lax government oversight, the AFL-CIO and its Transportation Trades Department (TTD) today petitioned the Bush administration for an immediate suspension of repair work performed on U.S. aircraft at overseas maintenance facilities. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka and TTD President Sonny Hall called for emergency federal action to stop repair of U.S. aircraft at FAA-certified facilities overseas until thorough risk assessments are conducted and appropriate rules are implemented.


"At a time when airlines face intense pressure to slash costs and cut corners, sending repair work to other countries is a far too tempting way for cash-strapped air carriers to choose profits over safety and security," Hall said. "Inaction by this Administration in the face of these serious concerns is unacceptable."


While no "publicly known" evidence exists about terrorist threats at foreign maintenance sites, the petition says, "it makes little sense for the Bush Administration to leave it to chance."


As the State Department has repeatedly warned of threats to U.S. interests abroad, the AFL-CIO and its mechanics unions – the International Association of Machinists, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the Transport Workers Union – have grown increasingly concerned about aircraft maintenance being performed overseas. The fact is that a foreign station can receive an FAA certification to work on U.S. aircraft without meeting the same safety and security standards as their domestic counterparts. For example, workers at foreign facilities are not required to undergo drug and alcohol tests, the training and certification standards at these stations are inadequate, and FAA inspectors have dramatically less access to foreign repair stations, particularly in making the unannounced safety audits which are common in the U.S.


The Trumka-Hall letter, sent to Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, FAA administrator Marion Blakey, and TSA Under Secretary for Security James Loy, emphasizes that "a unique confluence of factors" creates "a situation that necessitates federal government action in the public interest and to maintain aviation safety," and urges the government to use the review period in which foreign repair is suspended to develop new rules to strengthen the safety and security precautions governing this work.

*ahem* amfa was spotted outside the White House picketting to an empty household!...HAHAHAHAHA..love it bad...almost wet mahself!..HAHAHAHAHA

 

[Checking it Out]

Influencing people! Between Dave, Bob, Dan, TJ,Hack or Toni you have to wonder! Is this the kind of members you want to have represent you in a arbitration case?

 

[Checking it Out]

You all need to visit here and see the comments about the FM1!

Destruction at its Best! Lives-Families and Jobs!

 

[Bob Owens]

Influencing people! Between Dave, Bob, Dan, TJ,Hack or Toni you have to wonder! Is this the kind of members you want to have represent you in a arbitration case?

I heard that your Local has been calling the line for advice. They called the International and the International forwarded them to the line. Whats the matter you cant handle your own problems?

I'm sure they would want any one of us before some illiterate lapdog like you. "The members excepted (accepted) the contract", "are (our) contract".

No wonder we are(or is it our) in such a mess!

 

[NyQuill]

What is the $$$ figure we currently will owe amfa national if amfa is brought in as bargaining agent at AA?....out of future dues money...when did I vote on that?

 

[Bob Owens]

What is the $$$ figure we currently will owe amfa national if amfa is brought in as bargaining agent at AA?....out of future dues money...when did I vote on that?

What is the current $$$ figure the TWU has taken from its members while putting in twenty years of concessions?


The company gives them $1.7 million and gets $660 million in concessions.

It appears that the company gets a better deal from the TWU than the members do.

Oh yea thats right, the TWU is "entitled" to our dues, they dont have to actually do anything for them do they?

They have to earn the $1.7 million they get from the company, the RLA does not force the company to pay union officers $1.7 million however it does force us to give them $9million a year.


The company gives them $1.7 and gets $660 million in concessions, we give them $9 million a year and get twenty years of industry leading concessions, less benifits and pay than our non-union counterparts at DELTA who pay no dues.


Now its clear why the TWU wants to keep us. They get $9 million, guaranteed from us, we cant do anything about it (but vote out the whole TWU) and then they can get an addition $1.7 million to divy up between themselves - that does not even get recorded on the LM-2, by taking $660 million away from us and giving it to the company! We cant internally do a damn thing about it exept vote out the Local Presidents! However we can vote out the whole corrupt unaccountable crew! Vote out the TWU!

AMFA NOW!

 

[Checking it Out]

AMFA’S DESTRUCTION OF AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN CAREERS

(10,000 and counting)


AMFA negotiated the NWA agreement. In order to achieve its relatively high wage scale, AMFA gave away virtually all of the mechanics’ job protections. As a consequence, approximately 50% of the NWA mechanics have lost their jobs. Unfortunately, many of these job losses will be permanent.


At Alaska Airlines, AMFA consented to contract arbitration depriving their members of any meaningful vote on the agreement. Since only a handful of the contractual items could be referred to arbitration, the members had no alternative but to accept the deferred items, mostly unchanged from before (17 out of 31 sections to be exact). Further, the outcome of the arbitration decidedly favored management. Once the arbitrator made his decision, the members had nothing left to vote on. This certainly debunks AMFA’s claim of worker democracy.

AMFA is in negotiations with 3 of the airlines they represent and is making little headway. In the future, negotiations at NWA promise to be exciting with nothing left to give away except wages. And with the force majeure one lose in January; it will continue to be a disaster for the Northwest mechanics. NW conducted a meeting with its members on February 12,2004 and discussed the outsourcing of Brakes, APU and additional downsizing of the mechanics to a final total of 2000 to 2400 on the Property from a high of 9700.


AMFA has used many slogans in its campaign to organize aviation technicians. Some that come to mind are “mechanics for mechanics,†“a pure craft union,†and “take a stand for 100 grand.†Has there been any truth to these slogans?

Mechanics for mechanics is a misnomer since 50 plus years of National Mediation Board (NMB) decisions mandate that the craft and class be described as “mechanics and related†and this includes ground maintenance, appearance technicians, and others. They may have separate agreements, but the NMB has decreed that they cannot be excluded. (AMFA referre's to the related as splinter groups). AMFA and everyone else know that, but yet they continue to misrepresent this NMB requirement to mechanics.

While AMFA proclaims that it is a pure craft union, in fact it and its supporting organization are anything but that. AMFA’s umbrella organization is the McCormick Realty Group headquartered in Laconia, NH. Yes, Laconia, NH even though there is no air carrier located anywhere close. It also supports an independent flight attendant group (PFAA) and on and off has supported one pilot group while trying to attract others. Coincidently, these organizations have post office boxes in the same building as the McCormick Realty Group. In other words, the McCormick Realty Group provides its overpriced and limited support to any craft or class that is willing to pay for it. If you need more support, you must pay for it. (AMFA 2002 LM2 reports 1.3 million dollars in professional fees with 11,400 members). Insofar as taking a stand for 100 grand, AMFA hasn’t been close to that figure and it knows that. The TWU-negotiated agreement exceeds AMFA agreements in superior job protection language, retirement benefits and above industry average wages.



Is there an advantage to a single craft organization? The recent turmoil in the air transport industry shows there is no advantage and, in fact, there are disadvantages. The TWU status as a versatile industrial union has enabled it to strengthen its resolve during these turbulent times. Concurrently, single craft unions have drastically reduced their services and, in some cases, were forced to seek a merger partner in order to survive.



Since AMFA’s bargaining has not benefited its members, what has been its demonstrated performance as relates to representation? That, unfortunately, is as miserable as it’s bargaining. NWA and Alaska mechanics were placed in the unenviable position of having to assess themselves in order to pay off their local union’s legal expenses (Local 14). That two-year assessment ends soon and these technicians will be faced with reducing services or assessing themselves once again. TWU legal costs, conversely, are paid by the union and not through member assessment. Why then the phenomena of AMFA? Perhaps everyone hopes to get something for nothing. Children wish for the tooth fairy and someone thought the Brooklyn Bridge was a good deal.



AMFA is not a union, but rather an Internet scheme to make a profit off of the backs of highly trained aviation maintenance technicians. This scheme has brought disaster to many workers and it will injure aviation technicians for years to come. Managements see AMFA as an opportunity to roll back the clock on past gains. No self-respecting union would misrepresent itself as AMFA has, nor would it pit one member against another to benefit their organization. The purpose of labor is to help the workers and not to pick their pockets. The TWU agreements demonstrate that a real union can negotiate both wages and good job protection at the same time, no matter how tough the times. When the siren song of AMFA calls, stick to the facts, and trust your future with the AFL-CIO and North America’s Best Union. The TWU! Where the Real Strength is in the Membership.

Compliments of:

Concerned Aviation Technicians!

I believe this needs to be brought forward to see what you will expect with Amfa!

 

[Superside]

U dint rite dat dijha CIO? I now u dint 'cause there ain't no bad grmmer in et, no mispellins in et neitur!
This borders on Slander and Liable. Be careful CIO.
From CIO's post above

AMFA is not a union, but rather an Internet scheme to make a profit off of the backs of highly trained aviation maintenance technicians.

Have a AMFA day buddy!!!

 

[Hopeful]

AMFA’S DESTRUCTION OF AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN CAREERS

(10,000 and counting)


AMFA negotiated the NWA agreement. In order to achieve its relatively high wage scale, AMFA gave away virtually all of the mechanics’ job protections. As a consequence, approximately 50% of the NWA mechanics have lost their jobs. Unfortunately, many of these job losses will be permanent.


At Alaska Airlines, AMFA consented to contract arbitration depriving their members of any meaningful vote on the agreement. Since only a handful of the contractual items could be referred to arbitration, the members had no alternative but to accept the deferred items, mostly unchanged from before (17 out of 31 sections to be exact). Further, the outcome of the arbitration decidedly favored management. Once the arbitrator made his decision, the members had nothing left to vote on. This certainly debunks AMFA’s claim of worker democracy.

AMFA is in negotiations with 3 of the airlines they represent and is making little headway. In the future, negotiations at NWA promise to be exciting with nothing left to give away except wages. And with the force majeure one lose in January; it will continue to be a disaster for the Northwest mechanics. NW conducted a meeting with its members on February 12,2004 and discussed the outsourcing of Brakes, APU and additional downsizing of the mechanics to a final total of 2000 to 2400 on the Property from a high of 9700.


AMFA has used many slogans in its campaign to organize aviation technicians. Some that come to mind are “mechanics for mechanics,†“a pure craft union,†and “take a stand for 100 grand.†Has there been any truth to these slogans?

Mechanics for mechanics is a misnomer since 50 plus years of National Mediation Board (NMB) decisions mandate that the craft and class be described as “mechanics and related†and this includes ground maintenance, appearance technicians, and others. They may have separate agreements, but the NMB has decreed that they cannot be excluded. (AMFA referre's to the related as splinter groups). AMFA and everyone else know that, but yet they continue to misrepresent this NMB requirement to mechanics.

While AMFA proclaims that it is a pure craft union, in fact it and its supporting organization are anything but that. AMFA’s umbrella organization is the McCormick Realty Group headquartered in Laconia, NH. Yes, Laconia, NH even though there is no air carrier located anywhere close. It also supports an independent flight attendant group (PFAA) and on and off has supported one pilot group while trying to attract others. Coincidently, these organizations have post office boxes in the same building as the McCormick Realty Group. In other words, the McCormick Realty Group provides its overpriced and limited support to any craft or class that is willing to pay for it. If you need more support, you must pay for it. (AMFA 2002 LM2 reports 1.3 million dollars in professional fees with 11,400 members). Insofar as taking a stand for 100 grand, AMFA hasn’t been close to that figure and it knows that. The TWU-negotiated agreement exceeds AMFA agreements in superior job protection language, retirement benefits and above industry average wages.



Is there an advantage to a single craft organization? The recent turmoil in the air transport industry shows there is no advantage and, in fact, there are disadvantages. The TWU status as a versatile industrial union has enabled it to strengthen its resolve during these turbulent times. Concurrently, single craft unions have drastically reduced their services and, in some cases, were forced to seek a merger partner in order to survive.



Since AMFA’s bargaining has not benefited its members, what has been its demonstrated performance as relates to representation? That, unfortunately, is as miserable as it’s bargaining. NWA and Alaska mechanics were placed in the unenviable position of having to assess themselves in order to pay off their local union’s legal expenses (Local 14). That two-year assessment ends soon and these technicians will be faced with reducing services or assessing themselves once again. TWU legal costs, conversely, are paid by the union and not through member assessment. Why then the phenomena of AMFA? Perhaps everyone hopes to get something for nothing. Children wish for the tooth fairy and someone thought the Brooklyn Bridge was a good deal.



AMFA is not a union, but rather an Internet scheme to make a profit off of the backs of highly trained aviation maintenance technicians. This scheme has brought disaster to many workers and it will injure aviation technicians for years to come. Managements see AMFA as an opportunity to roll back the clock on past gains. No self-respecting union would misrepresent itself as AMFA has, nor would it pit one member against another to benefit their organization. The purpose of labor is to help the workers and not to pick their pockets. The TWU agreements demonstrate that a real union can negotiate both wages and good job protection at the same time, no matter how tough the times. When the siren song of AMFA calls, stick to the facts, and trust your future with the AFL-CIO and North America’s Best Union. The TWU! Where the Real Strength is in the Membership.

Compliments of:

Concerned Aviation Technicians!

I believe this needs to be brought forward to see what you will expect with Amfa!

March 31, 2003







James C. Little

Administrative Vice President, Air Transport Division

Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO

1791 Hurstview Dr.

Hurst, Texas 76054





Re: Summary of the 2003 Contract changes



This will confirm our understanding reached during the negotiations leading up to the agreement signed on (DOS), 2003. During these negotiations, we discussed many changes intended to achieve sustained long-term financial relief from the current provisions of the TWU labor agreements. This letter is intended to recap the majority of the agreed upon changes. Changes are listed by Title groups: I (Mechanics and Related), II (Facilities, Automotive, Cabin Cleaners, Utility and Building Cleaners), III (Fleet Service), IV (Fuelers), V (Stock Clerks), T/S (Technical Specials), Disp (Dispatch), Metro (Meteorologists), Sim Techs (Simulator Technicians) and Instrs (Ground School and Pilot Instructors).



Pay Related

Effective May 1, 2003:

§ Base wage pay reduction, varying percentages (all groups)

§ Elimination of all longevity pay(I & II)

§ Modified longevity pay, start after 17 years, current rates (III, IV, V,T/S)

§ Reduced Sim Tech Coordinator premium by $.75/hour

§ Reduced Sim Tech Skill pay to $.10/hour

§ Reduced Pilot Simulator Instructors premium to $10.00/month

§ Reduced Ground School/Pilot Simulator Instructors standardization coordinator pay to $150.00/month

§ Reduced Pilot/Simulator Instructors work unit experience premium

§ Modified shift differential to $.01, $.02, $.03 (I, II, III, V, T/S, Sim Techs)

§ Elimination of weekend differential (I, II, V, at AFW, TUL, MCI)

§ Elimination of midnight skill retention premium (Sim Techs)

§ Training pay at straight time for off shift and day off (I, II)

§ Elimination of penalty lunch payment (I, II, III, IV, V)

§ Elimination of OT meal allowance (I, II, III, IV, V, T/S)

§ Penalty hours pay for actual time worked @ 1.5x (I, II, III, IV, V, T/S)

§ Reduce OT rate from 2x to 1.5x (I, II, III, IV, V)

§ Work 40 hrs to reach OT rate for day off overtime (III, V)

§ Elimination of debrief pay (T/S)

§ Elimination of Stock Clerk driver premium

§ Elimination of AMT premiums when displacing OSM employee

§ Elimination of Early Call-In guarantees (I, II, III, IV)

§ Elimination of short turn penalty due to shift bids (Art 21 d) (III, IV)

§ Elimination of CC premium when not working as CC (III,V)







Work Rules/ Other changes and effective dates:

Effective April 15, 2003:

§ Combine Systems/Structures into Generals (Title I)

§ Added 7 day labor loan provision (Bases only)

§ Increased AMT productivity through multiple work assignments/training

§ Holidays reduced from 10 to 5. The five (5) observed holidays will be: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day (all groups)

o Holidays- 5 days with roll @ 1.5x (I, II, III, IV, V, T/S, Sim Techs)

o Holidays- 5 days (no roll) @ 1.5x (Disp, Metro, Instrs)



Effective May 1, 2003


§ Reduce annual SK accrual to 5 days @ 100% (all except I & II)

§ Reduce annual SK accrual to 5 days, 1st two at 50% (I & II)



Effective May 3, 2003

§ 4/10s at Overhaul docks/TUL, duration of agreement

Effective within sixty (60) days of ratification:

§ Outsource RON/Ultraclean (II/III)

§ One time System protection credit for headcount reductions realized from work rule changes (all groups except Metro)



Effective thirty (30) days from ratification:



§ Reduce uniform provisioning and eliminate laundering (I, II, III, IV, V)

§ Outsource stores function at HDQ (6 Stock Clerks)

§ Relocate 4 Stock Clerks at ORD/GEM to ORD/M & E hanger



Effective as soon as practicable after DOS:

§ Change work schedule to 5 on, 2 off (T/S)

§ Reduced VC accrual one week (all groups)

§ Modify Crew Chief ratios:

AMT- 1:11.5

FSC- 1:9

Fuelers- eliminated ratio

Stores- 1:12

Benefits:

§ Medical & Dental plan modifications (all groups) Effective 1/1/04



§ SLOA Benefit Coverage reduced from 24 to12 months (all groups)

Effective 5/01/03



§ Eliminate STD Plan (all groups) Effective 1/1/04



§ Discontinue subsidized medical benefits RIF’d employees (all groups)

Effective 4/15/03





§ Modify IOD to 10 days (all groups) Effective 5/01/03 with the following transition:



o If the injury was incurred prior to 4/15/03, remaining applicable salary continuation through the end of the month up to the current 80 days

o If the injury is incurred on 4/15/03 or before 4/30/03, salary continuation for 10 days up to the current 80 days

o If the injury is incurred after 5/01/03, salary continuation for 10 days



Sincerely,










James B. Weel

Managing Director

Employee Relations



Agreed to this date:



________________________________

James C Little

Transport Workers Union, AFL-CIO


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