Nov/Dec 2013 Fleet Service Discussion

[Harry Callahan]

Once again I agree with 700, you folks have got to work safe.
Harry

 

[necigrad]

Why would the iam come down below what amr will make with its bankrupt contract plus offer up some productivity gains without actually increasing scope beyond dopey detonations?

Since I'm not familiar with all the nuances of mediation I'm going to hypothesize here.  I wouldn't think that, once we say we're at an impasse (we've already gone as low as we're willing) that we can also say that we now want more.  In the real world there's a lot of logic to doing just that, but Section Six negotiations aren't real world unfortunately.

 

[ograc]

Another negotiating session without an agreement. Personally; I'm OK with that. With the issue of SCS hanging over the company's head they will eventually have to compromise and negotiate in "good faith" with both the MTC. & Related and Fleet Service bargaining units represented by the IAM. The IAM needs to stand firm on the strategy of contracts now Transition Agreements later. With that being said... the IAM or "association" is at an advantage to obtain significant improvements in wage, benefits and especially scope improvements. Our NC has the leverage. I endorse patience and solidarity with negotiations and our NC respectively.  

 

[700UW]

Negotiations on behalf of our US Airways membership resumed this week in Phoenix. Members of the District 141 Negotiating Team and representatives from the Transportation Dept. of our International, GLR Tom Regan and Airline Coordinator Tim Klima met with company representatives in an attempt to reach an agreement. We were assisted by federal mediator Andy Nordgren.
 
The week was spent exchanging total package proposals between the parties. This type of negotiation moves the talks from single issue discussions to comprehensive, complete offers of settlement. We have spent a great deal of time already discussing each component of the contract and now are giving and receiving proposals that include all aspects of a necessary agreement.
 
We began the week by presenting the company with a proposal that addressed all outstanding issues in a way that paved the way for an immediate agreement, prior to the merger with American Airlines. It addressed wages, benefits, hours of service, and most importantly, job security. Our concern was the recent development regarding the Justice Dept. settlement of their opposition to the planned merger and the agreed upon reduction of departures and gates in specific airports in which our members work. Our job security discussions in previous meetings with the company focused on the ability to contract out work and affect our security. This new agreement between the company and the Justice Dept. is a different threat to job security and needs to be resolved.
 
After a series of exchanges between the Union and the company the week ended with our Negotiating Team presenting another comprehensive proposal to USAir. We made it clear throughout the week that our intent is to reach an agreement that satisfies the proposals of our members, recognizes the glaring differences between our current contract and the agreement USAir management already reached with American Airlines Fleet Service employees, and paves the way for eventual joint negotiations after the merger is finalized. Our goal is to reach a CONTRACT NOW.
 
We left Phoenix without an agreement and without a commitment for future negotiation sessions. The mediator will contact the parties in the near future to set up new dates. With the heavy traffic holidays approaching it is not certain how quickly we can resume.
 
We thank all members for their understanding and support as we struggle to reach the finish line in these negotiations.  Our entire Union - from our International to our local lodges - is committed to using all the necessary resources and influence possible to bring you the contract you deserve.

 

[Harry Callahan]

It's been said over & over work by your ops manual & stay safe. Happy Thanksgiving one & all.

Harry

 

[700UW]

They would rather break the rules to get back into the break room to play cards, watch tv, or play on their computers.
 
And yet they wonder why its over two years and no new CBA.

 

[rockit2]

It amazes me how this work group isn't pissed to the max.Two years, NO RAISES, Parker gives AA workers big time raise to support the merger but turns his back on the people who brought success to this bankrupt company. Is  the workforce happy with what we have? Tommorow is the busiest day of the year and I bet safety rules will be broken and not be enforced. Stop worrying about the fifty dollar beat yourself to death check and get on board for a contract.

 

[Black Magic]

It amazes me how this work group isn't pissed to the max.Two years, NO RAISES, Parker gives AA workers big time raise to support the merger but turns his back on the people who brought success to this bankrupt company. Is  the workforce happy with what we have? Tommorow is the busiest day of the year and I bet safety rules will be broken and not be enforced. Stop worrying about the fifty dollar beat yourself to death check and get on board for a contract.

 
It's because most rampers know without this job they'd be very lucky to find similar employment that paid the same current wages in this bum economy. 

 

[Harry Callahan]

They would rather break the rules to get back into the break room to play cards, watch tv, or play on their computers.
 
And yet they wonder why its over two years and no new CBA.

Exactly the way it was before I retired & I doubt it has changed.
Harry

 

[Black Magic]

I'm very curious if the IAM is asking for more $$$ than the contract that US has in place for the AA ramp, if so there will be no end to this in site.  Also I'd like to know if the company offered to bring the US payscale up to the AA one.  That would be very telling on how negotiations are going to go from here on out.

 

[mike33]

I'm very curious if the IAM is asking for more $$$ than the contract that US has in place for the AA ramp, if so there will be no end to this in site.  Also I'd like to know if the company offered to bring the US payscale up to the AA one.  That would be very telling on how negotiations are going to go from here on out.

My question to you is.......  Don't you think you deserve more?

 

[Black Magic]

I understand what you are getting at Mike but a reality check is important.  My feelings are that the company will NEVER agree to a payscale that pays the IAM represented ramp more that the TWU contract.  It would be foolish to keep going on for years for an extra $1 an hour or so over what AA has.  

 

[Harry Callahan]

I hate to see you folks sell yourselves short.

Harry

 

[ograc]

IMO... based on the posture of the company in negotiations for Fleet Service; they believe the IAM and it's members "will blink" in their resolve for holding out for deserved improvements in their current contract. I'm certain this belief is driven by the lack of meaningful solidarity among the members, for the common good of the bargaining unit, as well as the District's history of abandoning contract negotiations and entering into Transition Agreement talks at UA. Previous posts about workers willing to "cut corners" regarding safety just to get more arse time ring true. The company realizes this group's lack of resolve. The company has also kept a close eye on how the IAM District 141 handled talks at UA. With this history it's no wonder the company postures this way in contract negotiations at US. If we, as a collective bargaining group, want to realize improvements, it's time we get engaged, work by company safety policies, work collectively for the common good and stay resoved. I believe this is the position of our NC. Hopefully, the District and IAM leadership demonstrates the same resolve and supports our NC. The change must start from the front line members though first. LOCK and LOAD!    

 

[700UW]

From what I hear, tomorrow will be filled with delays, mtc isnt accepting ot and are working safe.