2014 Fleet Service Discussion

[Kev3188]

In the Joint contract everyone will be given a one time chance to either go for the matching 401K or the IAMPF.

Good to hear, but how do you know this for certain?

 

[NYer]

To be represented by the Association or to have no bargaining representative at all; that is the question. That will be the choice the combined Fleet work groups will have to make. Let it be known... under the new election procedures of the NMB, 50% + 1 of the ballots cast will the determining factor. Comparing the pros and cons of being represented by either union is irrelevant at this point. It is my understanding... the choice, going forward, will be Union represented (by the Association) or employee at will.

We will continue to be represented by the IAM and the TWU. The Association was created for collective bargaining and to resolve national issues that may affect both memberships.

The winner of the vote is by simple majority, not 50% plus one. That's only for a vote to establish a union representation for the first time.

 

[Tim Nelson]

In the Joint contract everyone will be given a one time chance to either go for the matching 401K or the IAMPF. For most, that choice is fairly simple...stay where they are. It would silly to change and start saving for your retirement from scratch. That's because most Members are already heavily invested in one or the other. The newbies or those young enough (20's and 30's) can try to determine which option better fits their needs as both options have flaws.
With the Association each group will be able to rely on what they currently have.

it will depend upon the company contributing amount. A joint contract could make either one more appealing, especially for part timers who currently only get a token in their iampf and are subject to additional penalties. And its not like FT gets their full benefit amount in the iampf is they are married and agree to the marriage penalty.

 

[Tim Nelson]

Break it down further. The IAMPF contributes $1.15 for up to 40 hours per Member. (PT rates are lower, correct?)
The 401K contributes the equivalent of about $1.25 to $1.35 for Fleet Service Clerks & Crew Chiefs and close to $2 for Mechanics, assuming the 5.5% match. Those contributions are for all hours worked.

PT subsidizes FT medical and retirement. Pay twice medical and only get .70 retirement i think. Terrible.

 

[WeAAsles]

PT subsidizes FT medical and retirement. Pay twice medical and only get .70 retirement i think. Terrible.

Tim let me ask you. From what I have been told if a member was full time and was reduced back to part time through no fault of their own, their medical rate will still be assessed at the FT rate if they were hired before a certain date? If a member voluntarily reduces himself to PT then he goes back to paying double the rate? Does this also equate to the pension contributions?

Perhaps a good future compromise would be if a member does not chose to move and seek a FT job out of the station they were hired in that member should gain the better benefit after a certain time frame irregardless of status? Say after 5 years or so.

 

 

[NYer]

Good to hear, but how do you know this for certain?

It has been repeated by high level airline management during station visits, as well as it being a point addressed by those that negotiated the Associiation.

 

[ograc]

We will continue to be represented by the IAM and the TWU. The Association was created for collective bargaining and to resolve national issues that may affect both memberships.

The winner of the vote is by simple majority, not 50% plus one. That's only for a vote to establish a union representation for the first time.

If an election is ordered... it will not be a choice between the IAM or the TWU. It will be a choice between being represented by "The Association" or not being represented at all. The two unions have agreed to co represent the combined work force. 50% + 1 is the simple majority. If the Association is voted for by 50% + 1 of the ballots cast they have won representation by simple majority. If the Association wins the representation election; both unions will continue to represent the combined workforce.

 

 

[ograc]

It has been repeated by high level airline management during station visits, as well as it being a point addressed by those that negotiated the Associiation.

 
The way I see it... this is a matter that will be subject to negotiations for a joint contract. I'm not sure I would put too much faith in what high level airline management is saying or promising during station visits. This may end up being the case; but at this time, it is not etched in stone. This issue will have to be resolved in future JCBA negotiations. Let's focus on staying represented in the meantime.
 

 

[WeAAsles]

If an election is ordered... it will not be a choice between the IAM or the TWU. It will be a choice between being represented by "The Association" or not being represented at all. The two unions have agreed to co represent the combined work force. 50% + 1 is the simple majority. If the Association is voted for by 50% + 1 of the ballots cast they have won representation by simple majority. If the Association wins the representation election; both unions will continue to represent the combined workforce.
 

Cargo I believe what NYer means is that after the association is in place that we will continue to be represented by our respective unions outside of CBA talks and also interpretation of the language.

In other words in CLT for instance your grievance procedures will continue to be done the way the IAM currently does it and here in MIA we won't see any change in the way it's currently done under the TWU.

 

[ograc]

Cargo I believe what NYer means is that after the association is in place that we will continue to be represented by our respective unions outside of CBA talks and also interpretation of the language.

In other words in CLT for instance your grievance procedures will continue to be done the way the IAM currently does it and here in MIA we won't see any change in the way it's currently done under the TWU.

This is correct. After the Association is voted in the IAM and the TWU will co represent. Likewise, in stations such as MIA, the members who were formerly represented by the IAM on the US side, would now be represented by the TWU based on existing numbers. Visa versa in other stations. Let's not put the cart before the horse though. The first order of business for the combined group is, if an election is ordered by the NMB, we must vote for the Association. We must vote first to be represented. That will be decided by a simple majority (50%+1) of the ballots cast. To vote for the Association and representation or to vote no to being represented and elect to be employees at will. This alone will be the choice.

 

[NYer]

If an election is ordered... it will not be a choice between the IAM or the TWU. It will be a choice between being represented by "The Association" or not being represented at all. The two unions have agreed to co represent the combined work force. 50% + 1 is the simple majority. If the Association is voted for by 50% + 1 of the ballots cast they have won representation by simple majority. If the Association wins the representation election; both unions will continue to represent the combined workforce.

If there are write-ins or another union submits enough cards to be part of the vote the winner does not have to get the 50% +1 threshold. The holder of the majority of the votes wins.

 

[ograc]

If there are write-ins or another union submits enough cards to be part of the vote the winner does not have to get the 50% +1 threshold. The holder of the majority of the votes wins.

We're splitting hairs NYer. Write ins winning an election or other unions submitting enough cards to be placed on the ballot for the Fleet Service election are unlikely. In the event either takes place; then the winner will be the simple majority of the ballots cast. My point was; unlike representation elections in the past, the 50% + 1 of the eligible voters is no longer the threshold. I foresee a ballot and choice, for the combined Fleet Service, as a vote for representation by the "Association" or no representation and "employees at will'. Again, with that being said, the results will be based on 50% + 1 of the ballots cast. In other words, unlike past elections, those who choose not to be represented must vote. In other words, unlike past elections, those who are apathetic and do not vote will no longer be counted as a "No" vote for representation.  MAJORITY OF THE BALLOTS CAST! 
Despite your attention to "what ifs"; I hope the combined workforce is aware of the importance of their engagement should a representation election be ordered by the NMB. IMO... it will be the next step.  

 

 

[700UW]

Anyone know when the agents vote ends?

 

[737823]

Anyone know when the agents vote ends?

September 16th

Josh

 

[ograc]

September 16th

Josh

Imo... The combined Fleet Service should not anticipate any decision, concerning a representation election for the combined Fleet Service by the NMB, until the above wing election is concluded. It will be interesting to see, going forward, what the above wing employees elect to do.