WN Mechanics seek mediation

[swamt]

driver, not sure if you have the AMFA APP or not but Alaska just came to a T/A for their JCBA with Virgin. Glad to see another group get a chance at a new agreement. Now just need AA to get theirs and then United will start it all over again soon when they open up nego's.

AMFA-ALASKA TRANSITION REACH AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE
Jun 05, 2019

June 5, 2019 -- We started off the year with a goal for our Maintenance and Engineering division to work as one team — on both the Boeing and Airbus fleets. On Monday, June 3rd, we moved closer to that goal when AMFA and Alaska Airlines reached a Transition Agreement (TA) in Principle. This agreement, like TAs for other unions on the property, includes wage increases, benefit enhancements, a ratification bonus, and a two-year extension to the collective bargaining agreement. It also includes job protections.
Both parties invested time and effort to understand the concerns and wishes of our technicians when crafting this agreement. While no deal can meet every expectation, this TA is the outcome of constructive, good-faith discussions, placing value on our technicians. In early July, a separate ratification vote on this transition agreement and the proposed integrated seniority list will take place.

Constance von Muehlen, SVP of Maintenance and Engineering commented, “I am grateful for the hard work by both parties to reach this competitive agreement. Also, I am optimistic that those eligible to vote will ensure they take this opportunity to have their voice heard.”

“I want to express my appreciation to the Alaska Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMT’s) during the transition period. Their commitment, patience and professionalism during this time frame is commendable. The Negotiating Committee worked consistently to achieve this Transition Agreement for our members,” said Bret Oestreich, AMFA National Director. “It addresses a needed increase in immediate stimulus in comparison to the other work groups on property, on economic and retirement incentives, station protections and work rule benefits for our unified members, which continues to show the diligence of AMFA in the bargaining process.”

Both AMFA and Maintenance leadership will be providing discussion sessions across our stations. For eligible technicians and related employees, AMFA will be providing further details on the voting process soon.

 

[B737 driver]

driver, not sure if you have the AMFA APP or not but Alaska just came to a T/A for their JCBA with Virgin. Glad to see another group get a chance at a new agreement. Now just need AA to get theirs and then United will start it all over again soon when they open up nego's.

AMFA-ALASKA TRANSITION REACH AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE
Jun 05, 2019

June 5, 2019 -- We started off the year with a goal for our Maintenance and Engineering division to work as one team — on both the Boeing and Airbus fleets. On Monday, June 3rd, we moved closer to that goal when AMFA and Alaska Airlines reached a Transition Agreement (TA) in Principle. This agreement, like TAs for other unions on the property, includes wage increases, benefit enhancements, a ratification bonus, and a two-year extension to the collective bargaining agreement. It also includes job protections.
Both parties invested time and effort to understand the concerns and wishes of our technicians when crafting this agreement. While no deal can meet every expectation, this TA is the outcome of constructive, good-faith discussions, placing value on our technicians. In early July, a separate ratification vote on this transition agreement and the proposed integrated seniority list will take place.

Constance von Muehlen, SVP of Maintenance and Engineering commented, “I am grateful for the hard work by both parties to reach this competitive agreement. Also, I am optimistic that those eligible to vote will ensure they take this opportunity to have their voice heard.”

“I want to express my appreciation to the Alaska Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMT’s) during the transition period. Their commitment, patience and professionalism during this time frame is commendable. The Negotiating Committee worked consistently to achieve this Transition Agreement for our members,” said Bret Oestreich, AMFA National Director. “It addresses a needed increase in immediate stimulus in comparison to the other work groups on property, on economic and retirement incentives, station protections and work rule benefits for our unified members, which continues to show the diligence of AMFA in the bargaining process.”

Both AMFA and Maintenance leadership will be providing discussion sessions across our stations. For eligible technicians and related employees, AMFA will be providing further details on the voting process soon.

Congrats on Alaska, how did they integrate the senority, hopefully the Alaska guys were protected, like AMFA protected us! ?

 

[swamt]

Congrats on Alaska, how did they integrate the senority, hopefully the Alaska guys were protected, like AMFA protected us! ?

Not totally sure exactly how, but we will hear soon.

Fantastic article I just read on Bloomberg News. AMFA, once again, boost the wages within the airlines again for any future contracts. There ya go AA'ers.

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily...est-airlines-bonuses-boost-union-wages-in-u-s

 

[B737 driver]

Not totally sure exactly how, but we will hear soon.

Fantastic article I just read on Bloomberg News. AMFA, once again, boost the wages within the airlines again for any future contracts. There ya go AA'ers.

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily...est-airlines-bonuses-boost-union-wages-in-u-s

I would say we handed American Airlines Association a wage to run with. What they do with it, in negotiations, who knows?

 

[swamt]

I would say we handed American Airlines Association a wage to run with. What they do with it, in negotiations, who knows?

Yes we did help, just like Delta helped first and even UPS helped us in the end more than most really know. I hope AA will top us all out with the ILC they deserve and of course the highest pay for the mechanics of the largest airline out there. Also hope they are able to retain their scope best as possible.

 

[swamt]

Received some good news yesterday. Got word they signed the new contract yesterday.
Now only one more week until we start getting the retro payments.
So glad this crap is behind us.

 

[B737 driver]

Received some good news yesterday. Got word they signed the new contract yesterday.
Now only one more week until we start getting the retro payments.
So glad this crap is behind us.

Now just have to learn Maintenix

 

[swamt]

Now just have to learn Maintenix

Yea, Maintenix. Will it work? Some better hope so after the 80-120 million last fiasco.

 

[swamt]

A big-big thank you to all the past as well as the current NC's involved with getting us our ILC. Also would like to include Kurt Kinder for coming in and getting the final deal done too. Below is a nice little tribute to all involved and also shows just how busy AMFA has been in the month of May to get not just one but two new deals done for SWA and ALK.
Not to go through this long and dragged out fiasco game played by the co. again, some are saying Mr. Kinder is already planning on doing a few years extension on the next contract. Just leave everything as is with 3% yearly raises for about 2-3 years, perfect. Has worked very well in the past for us, why not continue them?

• NATIONAL DIRECTOR'S MAY 2019 UPDATE
  Updated On: Jun 11, 2019
  
  
  
  June 10, 2019
  
  Dear Members:
  
  We ended the month of May celebrating Memorial Day. I hope we all can remember those who gave their lives, never forget their sacrifices, tell their stories, celebrate their legacies, and honor the fallen. God bless our loved ones.
  
  I would like to acknowledge the tremendous effort and dedication our Legislative Affairs Director, Justin Madden and our lobbying firm, Commonwealth Strategic Partners has put forth to encourage the White House to recognize the importance of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) in this aviation industry and continuing to elevate our craft. I was impressed and encouraged that so many groups supported our joint efforts, and I offer my sincere thanks to Senator Duckworth and Congressman Larsen for their work to acknowledge the AMT on our special day – Aviation Maintenance Technicians Day, May 24. Additionally, I extend a special thanks to the Aerospace Maintenance Council and Ken MacTiernan, who we worked with closely to accomplish this letter. Impressively, our hard work paid off, and we were recognized by the President of the United States in the “Presidential Message on Aviation Maintenance Technician Day.”
  
  May was extremely busy for both the AMFA and Alaska Negotiating Committees in trying to reach a Transition Agreement to bring the Legacy Virgin American (Airbus) Aircraft Maintenance Technicians under the AMFA CBA as well as an Integrated Seniority List. After the release of Update #8 on April 30, 2019, our membership was very vocal about their wishes; therefore, we continued talks the following week. We presented the Company with a proposal on May 10, 2019, and asked for definition purposes, “all-in” be defined as including base pay, license premiums, line premium, and top scale longevity.
  
  The parties met again on May 14, 2019, and Alaska provided information that was requested by AMFA related to the terms of the other agreements on the property as well as other AMT groups in the industry. Neither side presented additional proposals, but scheduled another session for the following week for.
  
  The parties met again on May 21, 2019, and May 30, 2019, which included open discussions on a deal that would pass if voted on, legal timelines if vote failed, and the process and timeline to go to arbitration. The ALRs conducted several station visits and received face-to-face feedback from the membership of the line and hangars regarding the supposal and fine tuning it to reach an Agreement in Principal (AIP). Hoping to reach a Transition Agreement and Seniority Integration to vote on, the following meeting was scheduled for June 3, 2019. Please monitor the Alaska Airlines News and Updates page of the AMFA National website for further details.
  
  We are proud to report that our members’ voices were heard loud and clear on May 21, 2019, when the AMFA-Southwest Airlines membership voted to ratify a collective bargaining agreement with a participation rate of 93.62% and approval of 94.62%. Congratulations AMFA-SWA AMTs. I want to express my undaunted appreciation to the AMFA-SWA membership for their support, dedication, and unity in getting this deserved and justifiable contract. I am extremely honored to represent all of you.
  
  We cannot forget this was a long 6+ year endeavor, and we must give great appreciation to former AMFA-SWA Airline Representatives and Officers as their commitment and dedication played important roles in paving the road of negotiations: Jack Coonrod, Nino DiMaggio, Matt Townsend, Shane Flachman, Mike Nelson, Mike Young, and Bob Cramer. These leaders fought this fight and contributed at various stages of negotiations.
  
  A continued thanks and appreciation goes out to our Negotiating Committee; Local Officers and Representatives; Seham Legal Counsel; AMFA Economist; National Officers; National Administrative Team; public relations firms of Mayes Media, Kenefick Communications, and Commerce House – all who unconditionally supported our AMFA- SWA members in getting a well-deserved industry leading contract. Tremendous job and well done by all!
  
  I would like to share some highlights of a recent article by Bloomberg Law Article - Bloomberg law legal analyst, Robert Combs:
  
  “[AMFA-SWA Contract] with its mechanics union is single handedly responsible for a boost the average union wage across the country.”
  
  “One analyst says it’s the largest average bonus he’s ever seen.”
  
  “But that’s what happens when a company's employees work 7 years without a ratified contract in place. Those missed annual raises just don’t evaporate they accumulate.”
  
  Going forward I am optimistic about a viable and professional working relationship with management at Southwest Airlines. We still have problems that need to be acknowledged and addressed by both sides. This continues to be a challenging time for Southwest – and the aviation industry as a whole – specifically with the two recent fatal crashes with the Boeing 737MAX aircraft, grounding of the entire MAX fleet, Leap 1B Engine revisions, recent leading edge slat track AD, MCAS revisions, other country’s federal regulators participation of approval of MAX re-introduction, flying public and media opposition to 737 MAX, public opinion of Boeing and FAA oversight, Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit-findings, public hearing and findings of investigation of Flight 1380, and on-time scheduling issues. With hard work, respect, and professionalism we can conquer these challenges together.
  
  The NEC continues our efforts to achieve the best communication practices to reach our membership. Tools are in place for our members to acquire latest news and updates regarding current events throughout the Association via the National website, AMFA App, and social media. The NEC also continues to conduct station and GMM visits throughout the system. Thank you for your continued support in this communication campaign.
  
  Reminder: the FAA Hotline reporting system may be utilized to report concerns of aviation safety: https://hotline.faa.gov/. We must realize our grave responsibility as FAA certified airman to exercise our judgement on the airworthiness of aircraft and equipment. We, therefore, pledge unyielding adherence to these precepts for the advancement of public safety of aviation and for the dignity for our craft.
  
  As always, I ask you please be safe and to stay engaged with your union and officers. For more carrier specific updates and further information regarding AMFA and the airline industry, please visit the AMFA National Website at www.amfanational.org. Our most determined efforts will only succeed with your continued support and participation – please stay informed.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Bret Oestreich
  National Director
  
  

Safety

 

[B737 driver]

Yea, Maintenix. Will it work? Some better hope so after the 80-120 million last fiasco.

Little bit of overkill want serial numbers of torque wrenches and tire pressure gauges used on tire changes on TPC and MV checks. Goes live Sept 2019. Transitioning 800s and Maxs out of Trax to Maintenix first quarter of 2020, so it better work.

 

[swamt]

Little bit of overkill want serial numbers of torque wrenches and tire pressure gauges used on tire changes on TPC and MV checks. Goes live Sept 2019. Transitioning 800s and Maxs out of Trax to Maintenix first quarter of 2020, so it better work.

If it works as we have been told, it would be added benefit. Your right there is a bit of overkill, but I am sure we all know why and where the overkill came from. Pretty much, it will assure that all tools required and materials are all checked out and used properly. I think some of these overkill actions are driven from some of the ASAP results. My guess only, as I am not privy to ASAP hearings.
Basically they are giving us the end of 19 to get use to the new Maintenix and the I-Pad (some of the guys don't even have apple products) then hopefully everything will go smoothly when they take it all over to the new system with new models transferring early 2020.
I think they need to go to a larger one for us mechanics. Too hard to read quickly. Number pad buttons too small and our big hands tend to miss click letters and numbers all the time. I also hate the fact that you have to change screen pages to go from letters to numbers that is just stupid with how they demand we all have various numbers and letters just to sign in, then sign in again to MBF and other apps needed to be used that we all downloaded for easier and faster work steps.
Something new to get used to. Some will hate it and some will love it.

 

[B737 driver]

If it works as we have been told, it would be added benefit. Your right there is a bit of overkill, but I am sure we all know why and where the overkill came from. Pretty much, it will assure that all tools required and materials are all checked out and used properly. I think some of these overkill actions are driven from some of the ASAP results. My guess only, as I am not privy to ASAP hearings.
Basically they are giving us the end of 19 to get use to the new Maintenix and the I-Pad (some of the guys don't even have apple products) then hopefully everything will go smoothly when they take it all over to the new system with new models transferring early 2020.
I think they need to go to a larger one for us mechanics. Too hard to read quickly. Number pad buttons too small and our big hands tend to miss click letters and numbers all the time. I also hate the fact that you have to change screen pages to go from letters to numbers that is just stupid with how they demand we all have various numbers and letters just to sign in, then sign in again to MBF and other apps needed to be used that we all downloaded for easier and faster work steps.
Something new to get used to. Some will hate it and some will love it.

It needs automatic fill ins on some of the paperwork , but we will get used to it.

 

[swamt]

Well, everyone has received their first check. 2nd ck was reg payday ck. Everyone seems to be content and happy. Jacked up and maxed out my 401K so I am done paying into that for the year. So I will now start seeing another raise each and every payday. Another 1 1/2 months we get 2nd retro cks. Then our yearly 3% raise the following month. So glad we are finally done. I hope the AA'ers can get back to the table to get theirs done too...

 

[swamt]

Didn't want to start a new thread so decided to post hear since this one has been a bit quiet.
CONGRATS! To the fellow mechanics at Horizon for their grass roots card collecting to bring a vote with AMFA on the ballots. They, like other airline mechanics, (AA mechs) were watching the results of AMFA at SWA and ALK with their two new contracts that put them at #1 and #3 accordingly. Now they too will have the opportunity to be represented by a mechanics class and craft union.
Good luck fellas, don't listen to any of the BS lies and misinformation from anyone, seek and retain your own information. Reach out to your fellow Alaska mechanics and SWA mechanics for any info you so desire, any of us would be more than willing to help or explain anything...

Letter to Horizon Air AMTs
July 15, 2019 -- First, I would like to thank you for placing your confidence in the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA). Your grassroots organizing efforts and collection of Authorization Cards from your workgroup in favor of AMFA was a wonderful surprise.
Read More

 

[D7571987]

Bunch of new trucks in the mechanics lot?