I had to run to the airport as soon as Jim Keenan finished his presentation. Jim's discussion was on airline finances. Jim, like every presenter, relayed that fuel is now the big driver in costs. Jim stated that fuel used to be around 20% of CASM but that percentage was now somewhere above 35%. In addition the airlines are taxed higher than any other industry. It seemed to be an underlying theme regarding the taxes that airlines paid were higher taxes than the sin industries; tobacco and alcohol. In conclusion Jim also stated that the flying public should get used to things like baggage fees and there would be more coming as fuel continues to rise.
Chris Moore and I will submit a report to Strategic Resources downtown in the next week or so describing what we learned. Also look for a summary in the next Mechanics Dispatch. Very briefly, what I learned was that we as a union need to continue to bargain increasingly protective scope language and continue our lobbying efforts to both keep jobs in the United States and reform industry legislation to enhance those protections that we are able to secure in bargaining. If you would like to help with the lobbying effort please seek out your Business Agent or Chief Steward and volunteer some time, we are all in this fight together.
