JCBA Negotiations and updates for AA Fleet

[737823]

Revisionist history all around merely to sell each other's individual preferred Union acronym product?

At least AMFA still represents their craft at Alaska Airlines (aside from a few locations in AK state where it wouldn't be viable for a vendor to operate).

Josh

 

[737823]

This statement is inaccurate.

Kev what's inaccurate? You know the IAM didn't mince words in their hatred for AMFA and willingness to assume ancillary duties to perform struck work. The IAM put out press releases saying "IAM members will not be duped into standing with AMFA".

Did they enforce the language in your CBA regarding other unions on the property striking? Didn't you say before the IAM's position was AMFA wasn't a legitimate strike and anyone wanting to use the language would be on their own?

Either way I know having NW come up in Gary's film even in this context makes you happy, nearly a decade after the sun set on NWA.

Josh

 

[WeAAsles]

At least AMFA still represents their craft at Alaska Airlines (aside from a few locations in AK state where it wouldn't be viable for a vendor to operate).

Josh

Bravo AMFA National, Bravo.


July 21, 2017

Greg Puriski, President
Transport Workers Union Local 555
2608 Inwood Road, Suite 150
Dallas, TX 75235

Brothers and Sisters of TWU Local 555:

We at the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association would like to express our deepest sympathy and full support of your efforts to address the disturbing hostility towards frontline employees at Southwest Airlines. What makes this even more disturbing is that the individuals creating this hostile environment in the workplace are management – senior executives and labor relations personnel.

TWU’s documented increase in the number of disciplinary actions and terminations against your members is alarming, and it’s mutually noted. The new approach of labor relations and management to execute unscrupulous disciplinary actions does not honor the fundamental foundation and business model founded in 1971 that encouraged a stable work environment. Never was it intended for there to be an “us against them” mentality or culture between labor relations and frontline employees. Unfortunately, the tanking morale and unstable work environment will have a direct impact not only on our Culture, but also on our customers.

We share in your cause and stand in solidary with the members of TWU Local 555.

Fraternally,

Bret Oestreich
National Director

http://www.amfanational.org/

 

[B737 driver]

At least AMFA still represents their craft at Alaska Airlines (aside from a few locations in AK state where it wouldn't be viable for a vendor to operate).

Josh

Well I took the high road and apologized to Hackman, I don't want to crap in your guys yard. I look at this way, you guys have your problems and we at SWA have ours, it will basically come down to bend on the scope for money and eventually they will sign off on it, and a vote will take place, too many people that I talk to are fed up!

 

[ograc]

Well I took the high road and apologized to Hackman, I don't want to crap in your guys yard. I look at this way, you guys have your problems and we at SWA have ours, it will basically come down to bend on the scope for money and eventually they will sign off on it, and a vote will take place, too many people that I talk to are fed up!

I believe the big money issue, for the company on the AA JCBA table, is the medical benefits. They want us all in the LAA plan. They could bend on other proposals but too much money at stake, with the difference in medical benefits, between the two agreements. Not to mention; the members under the current LAA plan outnumber the members under, the more costly LUS plan, by a large margin. Just my opinion.

 

[Traymark]

I believe the big money issue, for the company on the AA JCBA table, is the medical benefits. They want us all in the LAA plan. They could bend on other proposals but too much money at stake, with the difference in medical benefits, between the two agreements. Not to mention; the members under the current LAA plan outnumber the members under, the more costly LUS plan, by a large margin. Just my opinion.

If that is in fact true, it shouldn't take our financial experts on the NC (God I hope we have some) long to show the exact difference to the company in putting everyone on the LUS health insurance, and if it's a bit more, then show how much in profits the company has enjoyed during this unprecedented profit run and the then the expected profits going forward when all the merger synergies are finally realized.

There has to be some financial gain for us, the employees , it cannot just be management cashing in every month with their stock sales while we linger on 14+years now with BK language in our contracts.

 

[swamt]

If that is in fact true, it shouldn't take our financial experts on the NC (God I hope we have some) long to show the exact difference to the company in putting everyone on the LUS health insurance, and if it's a bit more, then show how much in profits the company has enjoyed during this unprecedented profit run and the then the expected profits going forward when all the merger synergies are finally realized.

There has to be some financial gain for us, the employees , it cannot just be management cashing in every month with their stock sales while we linger on 14+years now with BK language in our contracts.

Couldn't agree more Tray. But it seems that is exactly where the company is going. The membership should be asking where in the hell is our industry leading offer from the company? Parker promised it, and if this asso. does not demand it for you guys, then I say X-out this asso. Remember the card drive at United with the reamsters promising everything under the sun? And once they voted in a contract it was the exact opposite. That's right folks, no pension, no industry leading as guaranteed by the reamsters at all. Now the asso. (TWU/IAM) are fixin to do the same with you guys. Pls do not let it happen. Hold strong and demand in all areas of your contract to be industry leading in all articles, otherwise, it is NOT industry leading, period...

 

[WeAAsles]

Couldn't agree more Tray. But it seems that is exactly where the company is going. The membership should be asking where in the hell is our industry leading offer from the company? Parker promised it, and if this asso. does not demand it for you guys, then I say X-out this asso. Remember the card drive at United with the reamsters promising everything under the sun? And once they voted in a contract it was the exact opposite. That's right folks, no pension, no industry leading as guaranteed by the reamsters at all. Now the asso. (TWU/IAM) are fixin to do the same with you guys. Pls do not let it happen. Hold strong and demand in all areas of your contract to be industry leading in all articles, otherwise, it is NOT industry leading, period...

Hypocrite.

 

[Tim Nelson]

Lets not apologize or reason why management wants my medical. Why wouldnt they?
I already decided im keeping my medical. If our negotiators already decided they wont offer medical concessions then the matter is settled because both parties already agreed to the medical and if thats a deal breaker for the company then there is a 5 year process they can trigger in about 16 months whereby the 2 parties can revisit things.
In the meantime, we have to support the twu and we really do have to picket for as long as it takes and institute a corporate campaign as part of negotiations like the stews always do.

 

[WeAAsles]

Lets not apologize or reason why management wants my medical. Why wouldnt they?
I already decided im keeping my medical. If our negotiators already decided they wont offer medical concessions then the matter is settled because both parties already agreed to the medical and if thats a deal breaker for the company then there is a 5 year process they can trigger in about 16 months whereby the 2 parties can revisit things.
In the meantime, we have to support the twu and we really do have to picket for as long as it takes and institute a corporate campaign as part of negotiations like the stews always do.

"There's a 5 year process they can trigger in another year and a half"

With that kind of thinking I can understand now why you said you won't be retiring till 70.

Math Tim. It's all somewhere in the Math.

 

[ATD]

If the TWU/IAM Association want to represent us, they better put this leading industry contract that Parker and his cronies have been speaking of at every road show. I do not trust TWU or IAM to make a decision for me, just like they did with the Association.
Industry leading or lagging, let the members decide.

 

[NYer]

Lets not apologize or reason why management wants my medical. Why wouldnt they?
I already decided im keeping my medical. If our negotiators already decided they wont offer medical concessions then the matter is settled because both parties already agreed to the medical and if thats a deal breaker for the company then there is a 5 year process they can trigger in about 16 months whereby the 2 parties can revisit things.
In the meantime, we have to support the twu and we really do have to picket for as long as it takes and institute a corporate campaign as part of negotiations like the stews always do.

Hence, the comprehensive proposal.

It may end up a package deal whereby you'll be able to get better language in Scope and the Pension in exchange for the Medical. The Association could drag things along in order to reach Section 6 and Mediation, but I believe that's why the NMB is already there and they would suggest things will not get better in a few years.

It may be presented as, "things may get worse later so why don't you grab onto what you can today." That would be especially true, Tim, if your suggestions of the IAM Pension Plan making changes over the next several months. Your assertion on that point seems to contradict the ability to hold things off for several years.

 

[Tim Nelson]

Hence, the comprehensive proposal.

It may end up a package deal whereby you'll be able to get better language in Scope and the Pension in exchange for the Medical. The Association could drag things along in order to reach Section 6 and Mediation, but I believe that's why the NMB is already there and they would suggest things will not get better in a few years.

It may be presented as, "things may get worse later so why don't you grab onto what you can today." That would be especially true, Tim, if your suggestions of the IAM Pension Plan making changes over the next several months. Your assertion on that point seems to contradict the ability to hold things off for several years.

Sito did the same thing with United. They did the 'expedited negotiations' but it failed. In those negotiations, United Airlines and Smisek wanted complete contracting out. Never came to a vote. Then they went into regular negotiations I think (don't quite remember) and got TA1 which was a disaster but Sito labeled it as a Landmark industry best contract. No language, no part time restrictions, boatloads of temp workers like UPS, etc.

A comprehensive proposal that is acceptable hasn't been presented yet but it won't be presented if the IAM doesn't support the TWU. Alas, Association issues.

 

[WeAAsles]

anotherdelay,

I'm looking at your insurance now, if you have family and standard plan, your deductible is $2550 and out of pocket max of $5000 which doesn't include the deductible, which is really $7550 max? That is what I read. The monthly cost for that from your paycheck $323.16. I don't know your insurance, but that is what I'm reading.

For a comparison, an LUS Part time employee with our 80 family plan pays $202.82 per month and the deductible is $900 and out of pocket max of $6000 which includes deductible, so a true out of pocket max of $6000.

So, a FT LAA employee who needs their insurance in any given year could pay out of pocket, including premiums of $11,427.92. A PT LUS employee would pay $8,433.84. A FT LUS employee would pay $7,216.92. These are max amounts in any given year.

FYI, a PT LUS employee with family and 90 plan would pay $10,055.04 max in any given year.

P. Rez

Curious?

Do you know roughly out of your total group on the IAM side how many people are receiving the max benefit on those LUS plans or plan costs?

Meaning how many Full Time wife/husband and children are there?

Do you feel PT employees should continue to fund the lower rates for their FT counterparts?

When you travel around to your Stations how do your PT represented members feel about the many disparities? I.E. Medical, Pension and Union Dues? (Yes at least the wage scales are the same)

 

[Traymark]

It may end up a package deal whereby you'll be able to get better language in Scope and the Pension in exchange for the Medical. The Association could drag things along in order to reach Section 6 and Mediation, but I believe that's why the NMB is already there and they would suggest things will not get better in a few years.

It may be presented as, "things may get worse later so why don't you grab onto what you can today." That would be especially true, Tim, if your suggestions of the IAM Pension Plan making changes over the next several months. Your assertion on that point seems to contradict the ability to hold things off for several years.

Nyer,
my immediate response to that question would be:

Please Mr. NMB, explain why this group of workers need to "grab what they can today" when it is decidedly Below industry leading,
When this group of workers:
Has waited the longest under BK language, while the company has enjoyed 4 years of unprecedented profits,
of which, this group has gotten none of until last August with the raise and then a small profit sharing this year.
This group never got the 4% bump every other AA employee got 3+ years ago.
This group has toiled along with the industries worst benefits (save LUS health insurance) for 14+ years
This group was hurried to the table in 2003 to re write their contract and forced to take what the company wanted them to take and in record time 56 days.

No Mr. NMB, it's not incumbent on this group to "grab what they can today"

Your Question Mr. NMB should be directed at one person, Doug Parker and it should be:

Why is this group of workers still waiting for you to present them the industry leading contract you promised and can no doubt afford, or else how were you able to come up with an additional $900 million for 2 workgroups totally outside of contract language?