Aircraft maint issues

[1AA]

I have no pics as of yet Weaasles. I am being told it was a great turn out with great support from our Pilots, F/A's, SWAPA and TWU were there. Below is a release that went out a couple days before the IP day. It was great to hear Jon Weaks speak out for the mechanics with their 100% support. I know you guys had support from your Pilots and F/A's as well didn't you? It does get the company's attention more when all the other groups on property show 100% support for the mechanics. At least were not just out there looking like we are on our own. As soon as I see any pics I will pass them on for you.

U.S.Chicago Business Journal
Southwest Airlines' frustrated mechanics bring in some heavy artillery


This last paragraph says it all;

But from the mechanics' perspective, the current offer isn't good enough after five long years at the bargaining table.

Say what you want but today's traveling public don't care much about unions and our issues. If it affects a passengers travel itinerary or price then maybe they will show some concern for our cause to get what they want. The company only shows concern if the passengers start getting on the social media horn bitchin about it. Unless bookings drop or cancellations increase directly related to the informational picketing then it's a non issue. If the media gets involved it's only short lived. Media moves fast on issues. The media is not negotiating labor contracts. If you want solidarity then organize a rally with all the unions at a convention center or park. Let's hold hands and sing together because the passengers don't give a crap. As the saying goes, "at the end of the day" the passengers get to their destination and the company gets them there.

 

[SkydrolJunkie]

The only thing they do now is keep us from getting terminated at will, which is a good thing.

Like being useless or incompetent??

 

[swamt]

Thinking Towards The Future as We Fight for Today

As we enter this next phase of negotiations, I want to emphasize the importance of understanding what we are working for - not only for current, but also future members. It seems like all of us hired in and heard about how things used to be or how things have changed. As I look around these days, it has become clear that many of us are entering into the “old timer” category and in not to many more years we will be turning American over to the next generation of members.

When we hired in, we did not know what the good old days were; but after a few years of being mentored by the old timers - we all realized that the company has made several paradigm shifts over the years. What I believe we must do is stop allowing management as they once again attempt to divide and conquer us, as we work through these negotiations. We cannot look at our newer members as “them” and ourselves as “us.” We need to find ways to encourage the new generation of members to become active in "being union," by teaching and mentoring them on contract application and enforcement. It is critical that those of us who have been around for several years talk to newer members, about the current contract and why what’s in the book matters; even more-so after we reach a JCBA. I want to remind our members that without a union, we would not have the demand right to things like bidding our shift, selecting days off or vacation; but most importantly the right to our work scope that is the basis for our pay. Not to mention our right to file grievances, for things like a bypass on overtime, field trips, or discipline. Remember our members cannot be disciplined or terminated, without just cause; something non-unionmembers do not have. I recently spoke to two groups of non-union mechanics, one that was forced to work split shifts and another forced to work away from home for 30 days at a time; just to stay employed. Worse yet was the story I recently read about a non-union worker who was killed on the job, this time by lightning. This is why getting the language in our JCBA right matters so much to me.

So I say to all of you, both the old timers and the young guns, this is our time. We must reignite our passion for the best contract in the industry; not one that is third or even second. While some of our younger members may not realize the importance of collective bargaining, their future will be determined by the success we are able to achieve at the bargaining table through this JCBA. It would have been easy for the negotiating committee to take the high road and negotiate a contract that was good, but that is not our objective. If the negotiating committee were to have done that, we would be done by now and we would have achieved mediocrity! While the time it is taking to reach this JCBA has been longer than any one of wanted, we are committed to delivering the contract that our members deserve. In closing, this JCBA is not just about money, it’s not just about work rules, it’s not just about scope, or even health and retiree benefits; it is about getting all of the Articles right for our members. We have one shot at transforming our membership into a galvanized group of proud union members, our success will be forever forged by our internal organizing movement and this JCBA. We will remain unified and stand-as-one, demanding nothing less than the industries best contract. I am thankful and proud of the membership for giving me the strength and desire to strive for excellence in this agreement. I often remind members that you control our destiny; I am proud to be your voice at the bargaining table. Without your support there would be little that I alone could accomplish, and we will achieve the best contract in the industry by remaining unified.

Gary Peterson
President local 591

I will be the first to admit being very critical of this asso. but I will say this; This is a fantastic letter from Gary. The body of this letter goes with any union represented carrier out there no matter what union represents them. I understand why this letter was put out as well. As time goes on the troopers will get restless as time goes on. Avery well worded letter Gary, great job as a leader to put this out.

 

[B737 driver]

Quiet. I must say and congrats to the group that protested from AA. That was impressive and hell of solidarity. Keep up the pressure!!!

From the pictures I saw on Facebook look like about 60 people with the pilots and ramp in MDW, PHX didn't see any pictures!

 

[swamt]

Say what you want but today's traveling public don't care much about unions and our issues. If it affects a passengers travel itinerary or price then maybe they will show some concern for our cause to get what they want. The company only shows concern if the passengers start getting on the social media horn bitchin about it. Unless bookings drop or cancellations increase directly related to the informational picketing then it's a non issue. If the media gets involved it's only short lived. Media moves fast on issues. The media is not negotiating labor contracts. If you want solidarity then organize a rally with all the unions at a convention center or park. Let's hold hands and sing together because the passengers don't give a crap. As the saying goes, "at the end of the day" the passengers get to their destination and the company gets them there.

I hear you loud and clear. I can simply say it's better than doing absolutely nothing at all.

 

[1AA]

I hear you loud and clear. I can simply say it's better than doing absolutely nothing at all.

We have the one most effective tool. Unfortunately we can't seem to get it through our thick heads. It's called

"IN ACCORDANCE WITH "

 

[swamt]

We have the one most effective tool. Unfortunately we can't seem to get it through our thick heads. It's called

"IN ACCORDANCE WITH "

Not only that, but it appears some on the IAM side are doing the opposite (as reported lately) and may face some punishment from the FAA being involved. If they were doing their jobs IAW their manuals and paperwork assigned, they would not be in that position or even in trouble at all. I know you already know, but, this was one of the biggest negatives of getting these two unions together as the asso. These two can NEVER seem to get on the same page on ANY issues and this is what will cause the many of delays every time contract nego's come around, fighting grievances, going one way or the other on seniority issues, bidding, evn retirement issues currently at hand. 1AA, I do hope and pray your brothers and sisters come out of this "whipping" issue unscaved. I just hate hearing of this happening.

 

[Vortilon]

Very True. It's up to the members!!!

Up to the members? Hell, we don't even warrant seeing what was offered, cause we can't handle the truth? I'm all for picketing; however, what exactly are we picketing for? The international has always had a different agenda as far as what is important to the dues payers. After listening to Parker at the state of the airline q&a session, he pretty much said the company met or exceeded UAL and Delta in all categories of pay and benefits with the last offer. So what's left? That leaves scope, how much? Here is where the TWU does it's horse trading, We all end up accepting less, so the international can claim a higher headcount! I have had enough of this BS! Look, Parker said nobody is gonna lose their job - there will be cuts through attrition only. Going on 32 years, and have yet to see an industry leading contract - save for the short duration AMFA inspired contract. Once again, our pay and benefits are being held hostage by the international. Maybe once in my time with the firm, it would be nice to get a decent contract without concessions, and extra protracted negotiations. Maybe it's time for the international to learn to live with less. Rethink the ridiculous salaries paid, and expense budgets. This whole business next month of renting an entire motel in Las Vegas for these same goof balls to get lap dances, while drinking, and eating like they don't have a care in the world. Meanwhile, we are stuck in the suck. The members are fools, for tolerating the lackadaisical approach our negotiations committee has taken to get us a contract - quite literally only 3 days per month. I support the effort with mixed feelings.

 

[1AA]

Not only that, but it appears some on the IAM side are doing the opposite (as reported lately) and may face some punishment from the FAA being involved. If they were doing their jobs IAW their manuals and paperwork assigned, they would not be in that position or even in trouble at all. I know you already know, but, this was one of the biggest negatives of getting these two unions together as the asso. These two can NEVER seem to get on the same page on ANY issues and this is what will cause the many of delays every time contract nego's come around, fighting grievances, going one way or the other on seniority issues, bidding, evn retirement issues currently at hand. 1AA, I do hope and pray your brothers and sisters come out of this "whipping" issue unscaved. I just hate hearing of this happening.

The more I work USAIR metal over time and have to deal with their folks on the phone the more I'm convinced those guys barely followed the IAW that the company preaches. There is a reason why they outsource so much, have a minimal headcount and have the oldest metal flying. Maybe enough is enough. The Feds involved in LAX may be a turning point. I'm sure other stations have similar issues that we are not hearing about. On one of the Facebook pages a so called high level member of management was released or moved because of intimidating the AMT'S. Is LAX next? DFW? ORD? MIA? JFK? Who knows. But it's happening system wide.

 

[swamt]

I have no pics as of yet Weaasles. I am being told it was a great turn out with great support from our Pilots, F/A's, SWAPA and TWU were there. Below is a release that went out a couple days before the IP day. It was great to hear Jon Weaks speak out for the mechanics with their 100% support. I know you guys had support from your Pilots and F/A's as well didn't you? It does get the company's attention more when all the other groups on property show 100% support for the mechanics. At least were not just out there looking like we are on our own. As soon as I see any pics I will pass them on for you.

U.S.Chicago Business Journal
Southwest Airlines' frustrated mechanics bring in some heavy artillery


This last paragraph says it all;

But from the mechanics' perspective, the current offer isn't good enough after five long years at the bargaining table.

From the pictures I saw on Facebook look like about 60 people with the pilots and ramp in MDW, PHX didn't see any pictures!

Try these WeAAsles;
More than 60 Driver;

AMFA Local 4, Chicago Midway Informational Picket

Informational Picketing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as SWA AMTs Mark 5 Years with
no New Contract

AMFA-SWA Negotiations: 5 Years is Too Long Without a New Contract

 

[WeAAsles]

Try these WeAAsles;
More than 60 Driver;

AMFA Local 4, Chicago Midway Informational Picket

Informational Picketing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as SWA AMTs Mark 5 Years with
no New Contract

AMFA-SWA Negotiations: 5 Years is Too Long Without a New Contract

Thank you swamt. If you guys decide to do a protest at FLL in the future, count me in if you'll have me.

 

[swamt]

Thank you swamt. If you guys decide to do a protest at FLL in the future, count me in if you'll have me.

You would be more than welcome, you and anyone else who would like to join. I know we are planning more just not aware of where and when as of yet. I am sure anytime you guys hear of us IP in a city near you, you guys can contact AMFA and ask if it's ok to join us. They may have dress code and meeting place request but of course we would want it as professional as ever.

 

[WeAAsles]

You would be more than welcome, you and anyone else who would like to join. I know we are planning more just not aware of where and when as of yet. I am sure anytime you guys hear of us IP in a city near you, you guys can contact AMFA and ask if it's ok to join us. They may have dress code and meeting place request but of course we would want it as professional as ever.

I also like seeing the AMFA and the TWU working together. I hope to see more of this in the future.

 

[swamt]

I also like seeing the AMFA and the TWU working together. I hope to see more of this in the future.

Yea, me too. It is fantastic here at SWA now that ALL the unions have become one. No matter who is who. We don't care. Employees are employees, period. It does not matter no longer what union anyone is a part of at SWA, it's employees with employees. It's the only way to go. Good luck to you and yours.

 

[Living in Reality]

That's a very nice letter from Gary. I have to wonder though, how many of our Union members have to work away from home for 30 or more days just to stay employed.

Maybe not for thirty days but some of us Mechs do commute every 5-14 days!