Grass Roots drive for TWU to replace AMFA begins.

[ThirdSeatHero]

The TWU is the one going after SWA, not the IBT. Again though you’re not refuting the information in the article. Not to mention BTW that the IBT haven’t been at SWA in almost 20 years.

There’s a lot of new blood 🩸 at that Airline that could give a rats ass about what us old farts have to say. Most of them think we’re miserable unhappy old crows anyway. (They’re mostly right)

If the TWU is going after SWA and not the ibt as you say, then why do you find it necessary to post ibt UAL campaign material?

Actually we were down to 17 Stations because of the Bankruptcy. Let me reiterate that, Bankruptcy. We had 13 Stations ripped away by the Court. SWA has never been in Bankruptcy so what’s AMFA (SSMP) excuse? BTW to fill in the story if the US merger had been hostile Doug Parker made an agreement not to close those 13 cities. So without a Bankruptcy that would have left us with 30 cities total.

The IAM Contract brought most of those cities back to us however so now currently you know the numbers of TWU/IAM AMT Cities and if you’re interested we have 45 Cities in Fleet.

That was what got me to FLL where I work today. I notice SWA has a decent presence here. TWU represents Ramp Workers and FA’s here. We chat on the bus all the time.

Is AMFA here?

Again with the deflection -

You critiqued AMFA for not expanding MX stations ... when have the IAM or TWU forced an airline to open a MX station where it DID NOT PREVIOUSLY EXIST?

Answer that question ... NOT BK Station losses - again stations where MX DID NOT PREVIOUSLY EXIST - you can't because just like AMFA, the TWU & IAM cannot force an airline to open a MX where none previously existed.

 

[WeAAsles]

If the TWU is going after SWA and not the ibt as you say, then why do you find it necessary to post ibt UAL campaign material?



Again with the deflection -

You critiqued AMFA for not expanding MX stations ... when have the IAM or TWU forced an airline to open a MX station where it DID NOT PREVIOUSLY EXIST?

Answer that question ... NOT BK Station losses - again stations where MX DID NOT PREVIOUSLY EXIST - you can't because just like AMFA, the TWU & IAM cannot force an airline to open a MX where none previously existed.

That IBT post tells the story from the time. If I’m looking to tell the story from the time why would I share anything from the TWU who didn’t represent them?

Of course NO Union can “force” an Airline to open a Station. They have to convince them to do that through negotiations. Many times they have to convince the Airline that it’s more cost effective to do so.

Take FLL as an example. AA AMT’s are no longer positioned directly in the station. We have a guy in a little van that fixes minor issues. Otherwise the Company has to pay to Field Trip some guys in from MIA 30 miles South. Lately they’ve been coming in much more than I think the Company anticipated the need. So now the scuttlebut is that they may open the city to Maintenance staff. Again that will be due to a cost issue.

So again with all of those cities that SWA flies into why hasn’t AMFA (SSMP) been successful at convincing SWA Management to bring in AMFA staffing? If they can’t make a case to be staffed in more cities is it due to a lack of creativity on their part? Or something else?

 

[WeAAsles]

Lot’s of SWA Airplanes being serviced in MIA by non union/ non AMFA Mechanics unfortunately. Too bad AMFA Mechanics 🧰 can’t transfer to these more preferred places to live.


MIAMI, Jan. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- iAero Thrust (https://iaerothrust.com), a leading engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and test provider focused on the CFM56 engine line and one of the companies within the iAero Group (https://iaerogroup.com) aviation investment platform, has signed an MRO services agreement with Southwest Airlines, a leading US passenger airline operating over 700 Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) aircraft.

New state-of-the-art engine test cell within the new iAero Thrust Engine Test Center
The new arrangement includes iAero Thrust providing on-demand hospital repair, on-wing support, and test services over the next three years supporting Southwest Airline's Boeing 737-700 NG fleet engine maintenance operations across their network.
"We are honored to be chosen by Southwest Airlines to support their fleet engine maintenance programs and overall continued growth," said Robert Caputo, Chief Executive Officer of iAero Group. Caputo continued "serving this leading airline is a testament to our team building out and executing our CFM56 MRO and test capabilities over the past year."

iAero Thrust Chosen by Southwest Airlines for Engine MRO and Test Services

/PRNewswire/ -- iAero Thrust (https://iaerothrust.com), a leading engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and test provider focused on the CFM56 engine...

www.prnewswire.com

 

[swamt]

If the TWU is going after SWA and not the ibt as you say, then why do you find it necessary to post ibt UAL campaign material?



Again with the deflection -

You critiqued AMFA for not expanding MX stations ... when have the IAM or TWU forced an airline to open a MX station where it DID NOT PREVIOUSLY EXIST?

Answer that question ... NOT BK Station losses - again stations where MX DID NOT PREVIOUSLY EXIST - you can't because just like AMFA, the TWU & IAM cannot force an airline to open a MX where none previously existed.

Hey TSH,
Here's the real truth on current and past growth @ SWA and AA in comparo to AMFA and the TWU, and in short it all sums up in one little sentence provided below by me from letter:

"The focus of the TWU junk mail was the outsourcing of jobs at Southwest Airlines, but what they neglect to tell you is that mechanics and related workers headcount at Southwest Airlines has been growing while at American they have been shrinking with 17 years of concessions and only just now are they starting to meet the industry standard."

Just now meet the industry standard NOT "industry leading" as they try to sell. You just cannot make this crap up LMAO!!!

TWU SENDING JUNK MAIL TO AMFA MEMBERS' HOMES

​ Updated On: May 04, 2022

May 4, 2022 Dear AMFA-SWA Members: Many have you have received, or will receive, a mailer from the TWU, seeking your support in a card drive for a representation vote. This effort to solicit your favor has nothing to do with righting wrongs or representing you more faithfully; it is merely a desperate attempt at revenge. You may be aware that over two years ago, AMFA agreed to support a grassroots group within the American Airlines mechanics and related workgroup determined to replace the dysfunctional “Association” – a TWU/IAM joint venture created in a hasty effort to avoid a representational battle. The Association was an idea that enriched the unions but failed the workers. The grassroots movement resulted in an incredibly close election, but sadly, the incumbents were able to manufacture a win and prevent the vote. It was so close, in fact, that amongst mechanics and related workers, more than a 60% majority of TWU & IAM paying members requested the representation election without a visit from AMFA. It was the added 1,200 individuals that included the deceased, voluntarily retired, and fleet service workgroups that tilted the scales in the other direction. The TWU felt threatened by the previous representation card drive, as well as the drive currently developing, that they have begun to act with desperation. Not only are they attempting to gain representation at Southwest Airlines, but they are also looking to displace their matrimonial partner in the Association – the IAM. Obviously, the TWU is not acting because they believe they can offer you a better deal; you have the best deal in the industry and certainly better than anything the TWU has ever negotiated. They are using you as a pawn in their battle to remain relevant. The focus of the TWU junk mail was the outsourcing of jobs at Southwest Airlines, but what they neglect to tell you is that mechanics and related workers headcount at Southwest Airlines has been growing while at American they have been shrinking with 17 years of concessions and only just now are they starting to meet the industry standard. On April 22, 2022, AMFA shared an article with members of the Association at American Airlines -- TWU, Rattled by AMFA Vote, Responds in Desperation -- offering more background on the history. Please know this letter was published in advance of anyone receiving the TWU junk mail and was in no way a response to their reaching out to you. Surprisingly, this type of industrial union organizing approach is typically with old-school harassment tactics from this union. TWU uses hired guns – non-craft related organizing salesmen – in your employee parking lots, and soon they will be cornering you and your family face-to-face, and marching door-to-door in your neighborhoods. They will go to any length to further their revenge on AMFA for supporting our craft-specific American Airlines Mechanics and Related revolution. If you do receive this TWU junk mail propaganda, that obviously means they have your home address, and you are on their "hit list" for further harassment. We recommend you do not fill out any of the TWU paperwork or sign anything to prevent further harassment by TWU, IAM or AFL-CIO. Remember who we are dealing with, the TWU and the National Mediation Board (NMB). the TWU and NMB would probably count your defaced TWU propaganda towards the representation election tally. This is an example of multiple industrial unions who have a no-raid clause violating your privacy and adding your personal and secure information to a mega database. The TWU is industrial union representing multiple larger workgroups (flight attendants, ramp, as well as groups outside the aviation industry) who are more important to them than the Mechanics and Related employees. They are a union attempting to be everything to everybody, and we all know how that story ends. AMFA is a craft union that is solely dedicated to Mechanics and Related professionals. This focus better equips us to fight for your unique needs, without the overhead of the countless overpaid executives in the TWU and AFL-CIO hierarchies. It is important for you to be aware of this TWU harassment and solicitation situation. Please remain professional when approached by them and be aware of your surroundings, whether in the privacy of your own home or the workplace. On Behalf of the NEC, Bret Oestreich National President

 

[WeAAsles]

Hey TSH,
Here's the real truth on current and past growth @ SWA and AA in comparo to AMFA and the TWU, and in short it all sums up in one little sentence provided below by me from letter:

"The focus of the TWU junk mail was the outsourcing of jobs at Southwest Airlines, but what they neglect to tell you is that mechanics and related workers headcount at Southwest Airlines has been growing while at American they have been shrinking with 17 years of concessions and only just now are they starting to meet the industry standard."

Just now meet the industry standard NOT "industry leading" as they try to sell. You just cannot make this crap up LMAO!!!

TWU SENDING JUNK MAIL TO AMFA MEMBERS' HOMES

​ Updated On: May 04, 2022

May 4, 2022 Dear AMFA-SWA Members: Many have you have received, or will receive, a mailer from the TWU, seeking your support in a card drive for a representation vote. This effort to solicit your favor has nothing to do with righting wrongs or representing you more faithfully; it is merely a desperate attempt at revenge. You may be aware that over two years ago, AMFA agreed to support a grassroots group within the American Airlines mechanics and related workgroup determined to replace the dysfunctional “Association” – a TWU/IAM joint venture created in a hasty effort to avoid a representational battle. The Association was an idea that enriched the unions but failed the workers. The grassroots movement resulted in an incredibly close election, but sadly, the incumbents were able to manufacture a win and prevent the vote. It was so close, in fact, that amongst mechanics and related workers, more than a 60% majority of TWU & IAM paying members requested the representation election without a visit from AMFA. It was the added 1,200 individuals that included the deceased, voluntarily retired, and fleet service workgroups that tilted the scales in the other direction. The TWU felt threatened by the previous representation card drive, as well as the drive currently developing, that they have begun to act with desperation. Not only are they attempting to gain representation at Southwest Airlines, but they are also looking to displace their matrimonial partner in the Association – the IAM. Obviously, the TWU is not acting because they believe they can offer you a better deal; you have the best deal in the industry and certainly better than anything the TWU has ever negotiated. They are using you as a pawn in their battle to remain relevant. The focus of the TWU junk mail was the outsourcing of jobs at Southwest Airlines, but what they neglect to tell you is that mechanics and related workers headcount at Southwest Airlines has been growing while at American they have been shrinking with 17 years of concessions and only just now are they starting to meet the industry standard. On April 22, 2022, AMFA shared an article with members of the Association at American Airlines -- TWU, Rattled by AMFA Vote, Responds in Desperation -- offering more background on the history. Please know this letter was published in advance of anyone receiving the TWU junk mail and was in no way a response to their reaching out to you. Surprisingly, this type of industrial union organizing approach is typically with old-school harassment tactics from this union. TWU uses hired guns – non-craft related organizing salesmen – in your employee parking lots, and soon they will be cornering you and your family face-to-face, and marching door-to-door in your neighborhoods. They will go to any length to further their revenge on AMFA for supporting our craft-specific American Airlines Mechanics and Related revolution. If you do receive this TWU junk mail propaganda, that obviously means they have your home address, and you are on their "hit list" for further harassment. We recommend you do not fill out any of the TWU paperwork or sign anything to prevent further harassment by TWU, IAM or AFL-CIO. Remember who we are dealing with, the TWU and the National Mediation Board (NMB). the TWU and NMB would probably count your defaced TWU propaganda towards the representation election tally. This is an example of multiple industrial unions who have a no-raid clause violating your privacy and adding your personal and secure information to a mega database. The TWU is industrial union representing multiple larger workgroups (flight attendants, ramp, as well as groups outside the aviation industry) who are more important to them than the Mechanics and Related employees. They are a union attempting to be everything to everybody, and we all know how that story ends. AMFA is a craft union that is solely dedicated to Mechanics and Related professionals. This focus better equips us to fight for your unique needs, without the overhead of the countless overpaid executives in the TWU and AFL-CIO hierarchies. It is important for you to be aware of this TWU harassment and solicitation situation. Please remain professional when approached by them and be aware of your surroundings, whether in the privacy of your own home or the workplace. On Behalf of the NEC, Bret Oestreich National President

Ah good. I am so so glad you’re all getting those mailers. And I personally thank all those members who are flooding cards in looking to finally get good representation over the failures you’ve been getting for the last 20 years.

Oh and yes Mechanics and related at AA has shrunk “up” to around 17,000 members in 26 guaranteed cities. Fun and successful times ahead once the great professional at SWA join us.

 

[WeAAsles]

That letter supposedly from Bert sounds EXACTLY like the type of propaganda that comes from groups like Amazon and Delta Airlines trying to keep their “employees” from organizing. I’m not at all surprised however since I’m 100% positive it wasn’t written by Bert anyway but written by the Seeham, Seeham, Meltz and Peterson Law Firm.

I’ve also seen the same type of writings coming out of the Ford and Harrison Law Firm as well. A notorious Union busting firm.

Nice try though.

 

[WeAAsles]

 

[WeAAsles]

 

[WeAAsles]

AMFA Members at SWA don’t be afraid. 20 years ago you showed the fortitude to make a change. And although I’m sure today the majority of you realize that change was the wrong choice it’s never too late to correct your mistakes. 20 years ago there were 654 Brothers and Sisters who saw AMFA for what they were and they were right. Don’t let any AMFA bullies try to intimidate you today. When stood up to its the bullies that always back down.

It’s finally time to send AMFA and the Seeham Law group packing. Take back your freedoms.

 

[swamt]

And here is a much better example of how AMFA is growing in our industry, as well as adding positions and headcounts. CONGRATS!!! to the Sun Country Mechanics for getting the blessing from the NMB to have an AMFA election at their carrier. Spirit, JetBlue and AA need to do a little catching up with the rest of the industry looking to have AMFA as their representation. ALSO NOTE: The huge increases that AMFA has nego at Horizon with as high as 24% pay increases over 1-2 years of increases to help retain mechanics at their carrier.
Also CONGRATS to the Alaska groups for coming together on an LOA for the MC's coming into the collective bargaining agreement.
All good news and great advancement for the AMFA unions representing at several different airlines, all can be read below... HAPPY READING FOLKS!!!

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

 

[WeAAsles]

And here is a much better example of how AMFA is growing in our industry, as well as adding positions and headcounts. CONGRATS!!! to the Sun Country Mechanics for getting the blessing from the NMB to have an AMFA election at their carrier. Spirit, JetBlue and AA need to do a little catching up with the rest of the industry looking to have AMFA as their representation. ALSO NOTE: The huge increases that AMFA has nego at Horizon with as high as 24% pay increases over 1-2 years of increases to help retain mechanics at their carrier.
Also CONGRATS to the Alaska groups for coming together on an LOA for the MC's coming into the collective bargaining agreement.
All good news and great advancement for the AMFA unions representing at several different airlines, all can be read below... HAPPY READING FOLKS!!!

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

Hey Swampy I thought you had me on “ignore”? How is it then that you see my posting and have been responding? 😂 😂 😂

Don’t worry Swampy once your group goes TWU I’ll personally make sure you get a brand new TWU hat to wear with pride.

 

[WeAAsles]

 

[WeAAsles]

And here is a much better example of how AMFA is growing in our industry, as well as adding positions and headcounts. CONGRATS!!! to the Sun Country Mechanics for getting the blessing from the NMB to have an AMFA election at their carrier. Spirit, JetBlue and AA need to do a little catching up with the rest of the industry looking to have AMFA as their representation. ALSO NOTE: The huge increases that AMFA has nego at Horizon with as high as 24% pay increases over 1-2 years of increases to help retain mechanics at their carrier.
Also CONGRATS to the Alaska groups for coming together on an LOA for the MC's coming into the collective bargaining agreement.
All good news and great advancement for the AMFA unions representing at several different airlines, all can be read below... HAPPY READING FOLKS!!!

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

So Swampy according to this update you posted from last month AMFA (SSMP) should soon start negotiations for your FMT’s

How long do you think it will take to get them a contract when you only have 250 of them under AMFA representation?

Is 250 really the best AMFA can do at SWA? Terrible, absolutely terrible.

 

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AMFA (SSMP) really does spend a lot of their currently organized memberships money on these failed filings. That’s actually the true purpose. The Lawyers know they can take more money from the SWA AMT’s by keeping these groups open for them to continue making these fraudulent drives and charging fees. Filings with the NMB that never get anywhere.

 

[WeAAsles]

Hey Swampy do you care to explain this. You put me on ignore so you can ignore debating the facts and then AMFA National blocks anyone who doesn’t agree with them. I thought AMFA (SSMP) was a Democratic organization? I guess not huh…..