This week on Monday I attended the union meeting in New York. When the floor was opened for questions a mechanic from EWR asked what the union's position was regarding the upcoming layoffs and rumored station closings. Principal Officer George Miranda told the group that this is of the highest priority to the Teamsters. George told us if this was an attempt at further outsourcing of our jobs, and not a result of discontinued work because of aircraft and flight reductions, we would have the full support of the Teamsters including legal action.
We continue to explore leads for new jobs. If you hear of an opening anywhere please pass it on so that it can be relayed to people getting laid off.
On Skynet this week there was a piece about the PBGC. The article said that the final determinations of the retirement money you will receive should be sent to your homes soon. I will update the blog with the case number as well as the phone number tomorrow in case you need to contact the PBGC.
For MM this week the company is continuing to discipline for things they had not addressed previously. We were successful in having a level three removed this week. I am continuing to work on a couple of others, however the company is taking a firm stance at this point. As far as the overseas field service language the company has agreed to make some changes in the way they call non engine change related events. Right after the meeting a trip came up and the company called it correctly. If you are interested in overseas field service make sure the company has a copy of your passport. Also the WARN Act apparently did not apply as we did not lose 500 people or 33% of the employees at IAD. This determination was made after discussing it with Bob Luciano and a Labor Attorney. Also one of the mechanics bumping is off on an I-time injury and I will be looking into the legality of this bump.
In BAL this week I was told the company would be asking the mechanics what they do in order to determine if they were still needed. However, true to form, the manager informed the guys in the shop that "we are taking bids for your jobs but nothing has been determined yet." So much for professionalism.
In PV one mechanic quit and that created a second opening. Two of the aircraft mechanics that were recently bumped took those spots. The company has decided no more overtime so it looks like they will pay a much higher rate to the contractor to finish this work.
In GQ this week a lead position was posted for the midnight shift. The supervisors are continuing to work on the ten hour schedule and will be seeking your input.
The jackets are in the office for any that have not received them yet.
That's all for this week,
Bob
