AMFA Files With NMB For A Representational Vote @ Sun Country Mechanic And Related

[swamt]

More and More Mechanic And Related are asking for AMFA representation. Congrats to the SC Mechanics for their grass roots efforts to bring AMFA in for their representational entity. 80% cards collected, should flow nicely as we wait for the NMB responses and outcome.

AMFA

www.amfanational.org

Too bad the Spirit Mechanics could not get their grass roots campaign quick enough prior to the merger coming to face them between Spirit and Frontier. Maybe one last effort should take place at Spirit to get them represented for the merger. Better to be represented than not when the other carrier already has representation. OR maybe the combined Spirit and Frontier Mechanics could have a card drive for AMFA after the merger is completed.

 

[swamt]

CONGRATS!!! To the Sun Country Mechanic and Related for their grass roots efforts and getting a vote. Vote tally will be 5-25-22. Good luck to all and please take notes of all the latest advancements AMFA has accomplished for many of the mechanics at other airlines they represent...


"It is clear AMFA has single-handedly raised the industry standards while increasing the recognition of our craft in the aviation industry, and the ongoing grassroots organizing efforts at multiple carriers reinforces this truth. Notably, we are proud to share on March 22, 2022, the National Mediation Board (“NMB”) authorized a representation election for the mechanic and related class and craft at Sun Country Airlines. The Election Notice and Sample Ballots were mailed on March 30, 2022, the actual Ballots were mailed on April 6, 2022, and the tally will be on May 25, 2022."

The full article with other progress is below:

NATIONAL PRESIDENT UPDATE - MARCH 2022 ​ Updated On: Apr 07, 2022 To: Re: Date: AMFA Locals and Members National President’s Monthly Update for March 2022 April 7, 2022 Dear Members: March was a very successful and busy month for our membership and AMFA. As stated for many months AMFA will be growing our membership, footprint and visibility in 2022. AMFA will continue to be the voice of Mechanics and Related employees by leading aviation industry changes and taking proactive approach to protect your work, ability to earn, and improving wages and benefit. AMFA is the only union that can and will be that voice and is the only labor union that constitutionally limits itself to representing the craft or class of mechanics and Related Employees to avoid conflicts of interest. It is evident, other labor groups cast a wider net and utilize a more centralized system of dictators and governance that is not in the best interests of their members. It is clear AMFA has single-handedly raised the industry standards while increasing the recognition of our craft in the aviation industry, and the ongoing grassroots organizing efforts at multiple carriers reinforces this truth. Notably, we are proud to share on March 22, 2022, the National Mediation Board (“NMB”) authorized a representation election for the mechanic and related class and craft at Sun Country Airlines. The Election Notice and Sample Ballots were mailed on March 30, 2022, the actual Ballots were mailed on April 6, 2022, and the tally will be on May 25, 2022. AMFA National officers are conducting station visits across the system to educate the membership about AMFA’s mission and about the important role of AMFA PAC, the first and only political action committee (PAC) representing aircraft mechanic and related issues. We have visited Horizon members at PDX, GEG, SEA, EVR, RDM & BOI as well as Alaska and Southwest members at DAL (MX Control/Technical Instructors), SFO, LAX, OAK, SAN, PHX, and JFK. We must adapt our approach to correct the past degradation of our craft and effectively promote our profession in the legislative arena. Please consider joining AMFA PAC and make our voice louder. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio introduced The Safe Aircraft Maintenance Standards Act on March 31, 2022, calling for unannounced FAA inspections of foreign repair stations, minimum qualifications for mechanics and others working on U.S.-registered aircraft at foreign repair stations, data gathering and analysis, and a conditional moratorium on FAA certification of new foreign repair stations among other essential safety reforms. AMFA applauds Chairman DeFazio’s leadership on the issue of aviation safety and particularly as it relates to aircraft maintenance, as the carriers seek to accomplish more aircraft maintenance outside of the U.S., this bipartisan legislation is a huge step forward in ensuring that the flying public enjoys safe travel while leveling the playing field for U.S. workers and the companies that employ them. Please visit the Government Affairs Updates page of the AMFA National Website for further details. In addition to expressing our voice within the industry, we continue to strive for the best communication practices to reach our own membership. Tools are in place for our members to acquire Association and industry related updates via the National website, AMFA App, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and the AMFA Insider Podcast. Thank you for your continued support in this membership outreach and communication campaign. We also continue to conduct station and GMM visits system-wide. The Association will provide various training sessions for union officers and representatives this year. Shop Representative Training is scheduled for April 19-20 in Atlanta, and we plan to hold future sessions in the vicinities of PHX and HOU later in the year. Additionally, preparations are under way for Local Secretary and Treasurer Training later this summer. The AMFA National Vice President Special Election concluded on March 24, 2022. This was a tight race between Rob Cush of Local 11 and Pat Amore of Local 18. I would like to thank both candidates for running for National office and wanting to dedicate themselves to AMFA and advocating for our craft and growing AMFA. Congratulations to Mr. Pat Amore for your new position as National Vice President (NVP). Mr. Amore was sworn into office on April 5, 2022, during the officer oath ceremony at the opening of the Joint Advisory Council Meeting held in Raleigh, NC. I would also like to thank and recognize Mr. Rui Leonardo for taking the reins over the past three months as the Interim NVP while the special election process was conducted. Mr. Leonardo jumped into this role with both feet and was a tremendous help in advocating our profession and efforts in expansion of our membership. He is now transitioning the duties of this position to Mr. Amore. AMFA–Alaska Airlines (AS) ALRs continue working with the Company and Arbitrator on the Roster Apps Arbitration case, meeting with the Company regarding COVID vaccination mandate, and hiring experienced and qualified aircraft technicians to achieve adequate staffing levels in ANC, SEA and PDX. We are happy to announce on March 30, 2022, AMFA and Alaska Airlines reached a tentative agreement on a letter of agreement (LOA) to bring the Maintenance Control workgroup into our collective bargaining agreement. The LOA provides limited provisions of the current agreement and captures status quo conditions for the group. The full integration of Maintenance Controllers will be negotiated during Section 6 negotiations, which are scheduled to commence in October 2022. AMFA National will be posting the timeline for full Alaska membership vote of this LOA soon. Your Committee would appreciate your support on this LOA. Horizon Air (QX) also continues to hire new AMTs yet are losing more than they are hiring. They are having problems attracting and retaining qualified, experienced aircraft maintenance professionals. The AMFA-QX Membership’s recent rejection of the first Tentative Agreement (TA) set the stage for the subsequent negotiation talks. The Parties exchanged several proposals and engaged in productive dialogue over the course of day long of bargaining, and late in the evening on Tuesday, March 30, 2022, reached an agreement in principle. This negotiated agreement is a regional industry-changing agreement with significant pay increases on the average 24% over the two-year duration of agreement, negotiation openers in 18 months, industry leading license premiums, industry leading shortened pay progression scale, 1.75% in down year, and ratification payout equal to retroactive pay to January 28, 2022. Now the membership’s voice will be heard in another ratification vote in the coming weeks. The AMFA Negotiating Committee will be holding Contract Question and Answer meetings next week to discuss the agreement with the membership. Please visit the Horizon Air page of the AMFA National Website for further details. Southwest Airlines (SWA) also continues to hire to fill positions with experienced, qualified aircraft technicians to achieve adequate staffing levels across the system. AMFA-Southwest Airlines (SWA) ALRs continue working with the Company in response to the COVID vaccination mandate. SWA has stated they are in wait-and-see mode based on how the courts rule on this fluid matter. AMFA-SWA Appearance Technicians extension talks continued in March and counter proposals have exchanged hands in efforts to get a TA. You can expect to receive propaganda from the Company on why its proposals were beneficial to you and how AMFA stood in the way. Remember, SWA made clear its intent is to secure your services at the lowest possible rate of pay and to attract new hires at the lowest rate of pay. Therefore, the Company’s messages must be read with that intention in mind. Please do not hesitate to contact your AMFA Airline Representative (ALR) with any questions or to clarify SWA propaganda. AMFA-SWA Facilities Maintenance Technicians (FMT) Section 6 negotiations will start in the coming months. I want to encourage you to recognize the importance of the responsibilities and work you perform day-to-day: increase awareness of performing your jobs safely; maintaining compliance; being aware of your surroundings; and above all, working safely side-by-side with your co-workers. I ask you to please continue to be vigilant and to stay engaged with your union and officers. In doing so, monitor your respective carrier page of the AMFA National website for further airline specific details: Alaska Airlines Updates, Horizon Air Updates, Southwest Airlines Updates. For further information regarding AMFA and the airline industry, please visit your local website and/or the AMFA National Website at www.amfanational.org. Our most determined efforts will only succeed with your support and participation – please stay engaged and informed. Sincerely, Bret Oestreich National President

 

[swamt]

Forgot to update this page.

Sun Country election tally is now postponed by NMB until 6-8-22 due to misprinted ballots by the group hired for the mailing instructions and Ballots. Here's the info below:

YOUR UNION RERUN ELECTION ​ Updated On: Apr 12, 2022 April 12, 2022 Dear Sun Country Mechanics and Related Employees: On April 11, 2022, the National Mediation Board (“NMB”) Ordered the first scheduled election for the Mechanics and Related Employees cancelled and also Ordered a Rerun Election due to printing errors with the mailing labels and the ballots. The Rerun Election Ballots will be mailed to employees on April 20, 2022, and the tally will take place at the Board’s offices on June 8, 2022. A time has not yet been specified for the election count. Sun Country will be provided with copies of the Notice and Rules of Election for the Rerun Election. Both of these documents must be posted by the Carrier where notices to employees are customarily posted at appropriate stations. Upon receipt of the Ballot, the voter should carefully follow the voting instructions and complete the voting Ballot and promptly mail it back to the NMB so that it is received sufficiently in advance by the NMB prior to the tally so that it can counted on the day of the tally. If an eligible voter’s Ballot is not received within a reasonable time after the NMB mails them out on April 20, a voter may request a duplicate ballot by contacting the NMB in writing. The request must be signed by the voter requesting the Instructions and mailed in an individual envelope; group requests are not accepted. Requests by telephone, facsimile, or electronic mail are not accepted. Requests for a duplicate ballot received less than seven (7) calendar days before the tally (by June 1, 2022) will not be honored. The name of any employee requesting duplicate ballot will be confidential. Only NMB agents administer and facilitate the voting materials and process. The address for mailing duplicate ballot requests is: NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD, 1301 K STREET, NW, SUITE 250 E, WASHINGTON, DC 20005. Employees with any questions should call the NMB at (202) 692-5040. If AMFA receives a majority of votes cast upon the conclusion of the tally on June 8, 2022, then it will be certified as the representative. The NMB will generally issue a Certification based upon the Report of Election Results the next business day following the count. Sincerely, Bret Oestreich National President

 

[SWAMECH]

Wishing the Mechanics @ Sun Country good luck for this final week in their vote for a Class and Craft union representational election for AMFA. Although no time frame was given, since electronic it will be quick, unless close and they do a hand count to verify. Either way we shall know sometime Wed 6-8-22.


If AMFA receives a majority of votes cast upon the conclusion of the tally on June 8, 2022, then it will be certified as the representative. The NMB will generally issue a Certification based upon the Report of Election Results the next business day following the count.

 

[SWAMECH]

AMFA National's Monthly update gives great reasons why the Sun Country Mechanics should vote to have AMFA representing their Class and Craft. Today we should hear from the NMB on where that election is at.

NATIONAL PRESIDENT UPDATE - MAY 2022 ​ Updated On: Jun 07, 2022 To: Re: Date: AMFA Locals and Members National President’s Monthly Update for May 2022 June 7, 2022 Dear Members: The AMFA Membership is the primary influence in allowing AMFA to be a major voice, raising aviation industry standards at both the regional and the major carriers and increasing the recognition of our craft. AMFA’s structure, as designed in the AMFA Constitution, empowers our membership to control the union and their own destiny. Unlike most unions, AMFA Members have the right to vote on all Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBAs), Letters of Agreement (LOAs), and elections for officers and representatives at both the National and Local levels. AMFA is the advocator and voice for our craft and our profession. Tools are in place for our members to acquire Association and industry related updates via the National website, AMFA App, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and the AMFA Insider Podcast. Thank you for your continued support in this membership outreach and communication campaign. We also continue to conduct station and GMM visits system-wide. AMFA National officers are still conducting station visits across the system to educate the membership about AMFA’s mission and about the important role of AMFA PAC, the first and only political action committee (PAC) representing aircraft technicians and related issues. Please visit the Government Affairs Updates page of the AMFA National Website for further details. AMFA–Alaska Airlines (AS) Airline Representatives (ALRs) continue working with the Company on the Roster Apps issues, and Alaska Section 6 negotiations are scheduled for October 2022. Local 32 and Local 14 proposal committees will meet first weeks of June to catalog and compile the proposals submitted to the locals to prepare for the contract proposal prioritization survey process. AS continues to hire during this impending shortage of technicians throughout the industry. Most stations are working shorthanded as the Company continues filling positions with technicians to achieve adequate staffing levels across the system; this has been extremely difficult. Please welcome this next generation of technicians -- and future generation of AMFA leaders -- into our workplaces and help them get established as engaged members of AMFA. The AMFA-Horizon Air (QX) membership has ratified the tentative agreement (TA) #2. I would like to congratulate the AMFA members voted in this process. This agreement is not only industry-leading, it is an industry changing agreement for the regional carriers. This agreement has significant pay increases over the two-year duration, with negotiation openers in 18 months, industry-leading license premiums, industry-leading shortened pay progression scale, and ratification payout on June 15, 2022, that is equal to retroactive pay to January 28, 2022. The membership’s loud voice was heard across the industry when the referendum was ratified on May 10,2022. Please visit the Horizon Air page of the AMFA National Website for further details. Southwest Airlines (SWA) continues to hire during this impending shortage of technicians throughout the industry, and filling these positions to achieve adequate staffing levels across the system has proven to be extremely difficult. We have new hires at most SWA stations now. Please welcome the next generation of technicians – and future generation of AMFA leaders -- into our workplaces and help them get established as engaged members of AMFA. AMFA-SWA Appearance Technicians (AAT) extension talks resulting in achieving a tentative agreement on a contract extension LOA. This LOA will give pay increases to all scales with 6.25% snap-up minimum, an efficiency bonus to members within the middle of the pay scale to top of scale, and a shortened pay progression scale. The Company will hear the membership’s voice when the referendum is tallied on July 1, 2022. Any eligible voter who has not received their personalized voting instructions should contact the Director of Administration at [email protected]. Please visit the Southwest Airlines page of the AMFA National website for further details. Additionally, please do not hesitate to contact your ALR with any questions or to clarify SWA propaganda. The AMFA-SWA Facilities Maintenance Technicians (FMT) Negotiating Committee met on May 17-18 to review the survey report on the ranked proposals submitted by FMT membership and to prepare openers. Section 6 negotiations will start June 21-23 in Dallas, TX. As we have said since the beginning of the year, we will be expanding AMFA’s footprint and growing our membership in 2022. We currently are proud to share the National Mediation Board (NMB) authorized a representation election for the technician and related class and craft at Sun Country Airlines and the tally will be on June 8, 2022. A Transition Committee is in place and is ready to start representing our new membership day one. For further information , please visit the AMFA at Sun Country Airlines page. I want to encourage you to recognize the importance of the responsibilities and work you perform day-to-day: increase awareness of performing your jobs safely; maintaining compliance; being aware of your surroundings; and above all, working safely side-by-side with your co-workers. I ask you to please continue to be vigilant and to stay engaged with your union and officers. In doing so, monitor your respective carrier page of the AMFA National website for further airline specific details: Alaska Airlines Updates, Horizon Air Updates, Southwest Airlines Updates. For further information regarding AMFA and the airline industry, please visit your local website and/or the AMFA National Website at www.amfanational.org. Our most determined efforts will only succeed with your support and participation – please stay engaged and informed. Sincerely, Bret Oestreich National President

 

[SWAMECH]

And as expected they followed thru.
WELCOME!!! Sun Country Airlines Mechanics to AMFA Representation!
Here's the notice from AMF National below;

NATIONAL PRESIDENT'S LETTER WELCOMING SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES TECHNICIAN AND RELATED PROFESSIONALS ​ Updated On: Jun 08, 2022 June 8, 2022 Welcome Sun Country Airlines Technician and Related Professionals: You should be extremely proud of your accomplishments thus far in becoming unionized. You all have been through a lot these last years, and we look forward to helping you control your own destiny and fix the many problems you have expressed. AMFA is honored to represent you at Sun Country Airlines (SCA). Following is a quick synopsis of what to expect next. AMFA National and Local 4 (MDW) officers and representatives will assist the SCA membership as we negotiate your first Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). In addition to an AMFA-SCA Airline Representative (ALR), your Negotiating Committee will consist of National officers, legal counsel, an economist, a pension actuary, and a health and welfare actuary, when needed. Most of the cost for professionals for negotiations will be paid with AMFA National funds until your CBA is ratified, at which time AMFA Local 4 will resume jurisdiction. Currently, you have a SCA volunteer transition team in place, including an Interim SCA ALR who is the main point of contact for your group. The SCA ALR oversees the enforcement of your status quo work rules, pay, and benefits, and is a voting member of your Negotiating Committee. There is also an Interim Area Representative who assists the ALR on the floor as well as an Interim Shop Representatives who administer communications. In the coming months, Local 4 will call for nominations and conduction an election to fill these positions in accordance with the AMFA Constitution, Local Bylaws, and LMRDA. If you are an active member in good standing in this first election, you will be qualified to be nominated to run for these offices. In the next few weeks, you will be receiving a New Member package containing an Application for Membership and a Dues Check-off Form, which will permit you to be a member in good standing, attend union meetings, vote on contract and letter of agreement ratification, and vote for Local and National officers and representatives. Until a CBA is ratified between AMFA and SCA, your AMFA Initiation Fee will be waved when you pay voluntary membership dues. Your dues will be used to support and pay for your SCA elected local representatives on the property and resources used at the negotiation table. Fifty percent of the dues collected will stay at your Local to pay for Local business expenses, including building rental, general membership meetings, office supplies, legal practices, grievance filings, union membership training, and arbitration and termination cases. We thank you for your support. Be sure to call on us if you have any questions. Sincerely, Bret Oestreich National President

 

[WeAAsles]

And as expected they followed thru.
WELCOME!!! Sun Country Airlines Mechanics to AMFA Representation!
Here's the notice from AMF National below;

NATIONAL PRESIDENT'S LETTER WELCOMING SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES TECHNICIAN AND RELATED PROFESSIONALS ​ Updated On: Jun 08, 2022 June 8, 2022 Welcome Sun Country Airlines Technician and Related Professionals: You should be extremely proud of your accomplishments thus far in becoming unionized. You all have been through a lot these last years, and we look forward to helping you control your own destiny and fix the many problems you have expressed. AMFA is honored to represent you at Sun Country Airlines (SCA). Following is a quick synopsis of what to expect next. AMFA National and Local 4 (MDW) officers and representatives will assist the SCA membership as we negotiate your first Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). In addition to an AMFA-SCA Airline Representative (ALR), your Negotiating Committee will consist of National officers, legal counsel, an economist, a pension actuary, and a health and welfare actuary, when needed. Most of the cost for professionals for negotiations will be paid with AMFA National funds until your CBA is ratified, at which time AMFA Local 4 will resume jurisdiction. Currently, you have a SCA volunteer transition team in place, including an Interim SCA ALR who is the main point of contact for your group. The SCA ALR oversees the enforcement of your status quo work rules, pay, and benefits, and is a voting member of your Negotiating Committee. There is also an Interim Area Representative who assists the ALR on the floor as well as an Interim Shop Representatives who administer communications. In the coming months, Local 4 will call for nominations and conduction an election to fill these positions in accordance with the AMFA Constitution, Local Bylaws, and LMRDA. If you are an active member in good standing in this first election, you will be qualified to be nominated to run for these offices. In the next few weeks, you will be receiving a New Member package containing an Application for Membership and a Dues Check-off Form, which will permit you to be a member in good standing, attend union meetings, vote on contract and letter of agreement ratification, and vote for Local and National officers and representatives. Until a CBA is ratified between AMFA and SCA, your AMFA Initiation Fee will be waved when you pay voluntary membership dues. Your dues will be used to support and pay for your SCA elected local representatives on the property and resources used at the negotiation table. Fifty percent of the dues collected will stay at your Local to pay for Local business expenses, including building rental, general membership meetings, office supplies, legal practices, grievance filings, union membership training, and arbitration and termination cases. We thank you for your support. Be sure to call on us if you have any questions. Sincerely, Bret Oestreich National President

There is no status quo rules. AMFA screwed that up back in 1994. They should stop lying to people. Sun Country will likely outsource all of them now if AMFA tries to play hardball against the carrier. They’re likely an extremely small group so it will be very easy to get rid of them. Unfortunately for them with AMFA representation.

AIRCRAFT MECHANICS FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION v. ATLANTIC COAST AIRLINES (1997) | FindLaw

Case opinion for US 2nd Circuit AIRCRAFT MECHANICS FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION v. ATLANTIC COAST AIRLINES. Read the Court's full decision on FindLaw.

caselaw.findlaw.com

 

[SWAMECH]

More breaking news on Sun Country Mechanics electing to go with the Class and Craft AMFA representation. Congrats to the men and women @ SCA for an overwhelming vote for AMFA.

PRESS RELEASE: AMFA WELCOMES SUN COUNTRY TECHNICIAN AND RELATED EMPLOYEES ​ Jun 09, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Phone: Email: Bret Oestreich, National President (720) 744-6628 [email protected] AMFA WELCOMES SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES TECHNICIAN AND RELATED EMPLOYEES CENTENNIAL, CO – June 9, 2022 – The National Mediation Board (NMB) officially announced today that the Aircraft Maintenance Mechanics and Related (M&R) employees voted overwhelmingly to elect the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) as their collective bargaining agent. Earlier this winter, M&R at Sun Country Airlines submitted signed authorization for representation cards from nearly 75% of its workgroup to AMFA, requesting that they file for a representation election with the NMB on behalf of their workgroup. “We are extremely humbled and excited that these talented professionals appreciate AMFA’s commitment to raising the standards of our invaluable craft,” said Bret Oestreich, AMFA National President. “We are honored to be given this opportunity to be the first and only craft-specific union to represent this skilled workgroup. The grassroots organizing committee started this union campaign, and today’s outcome was the culmination and affirmation of their hard work.” Prior to today’s announcement, Sun Country Airlines technicians had been non-union since the flight operations started in 1983. “Today’s vote is another example of the resurgence of craft-specific unions,” said Oestreich. “The future belongs to craft unions because they are designed to be stakeholders that defend their members’ interests at the bargaining table, not profit from them.” Sun Country Airlines is classified as a new breed hybrid low-cost air carrier, cargo, and charter business headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. The company operates 43 passenger and 12 freighter aircraft with more than 1,600 employees. “One of AMFA’s objectives is to elevate the standards and increase recognition of Aircraft Technicians. With that in mind, AMFA’s leaders are excited to work with our newest bargaining unit,” said Oestreich. The AMFA Sun Country Transition Committee will be meeting with our new members and Sun Country leadership soon to discuss the most pressing matters and outline how the parties intend to move forward.”

 

[JimmyBop]

What kind of dues nonsense is AMFA pulling at Sun Country???? "Voluntary" dues with no representation in order to avoid an initiation fee at a later date? Are these people kidding?
"In the next few weeks, you will be receiving a New Member package containing an Application for Membership and a Dues Check-off Form, which will permit you to be a member in good standing, attend union meetings, vote on contract and letter of agreement ratification, and vote for Local and National officers and representatives. Until a CBA is ratified between AMFA and SCA, your AMFA Initiation Fee will be waved when you pay voluntary membership dues. Your dues will be initially used to support your elected local SCA representatives and negotiating your CBA."