This week several issues were brought to me.
In the MM department one of the first things I was asked this week is, when are the contractors going to finish the C-19 restroom? I brought this to management and they appear to be as frustrated as we are. My suggestion is that you send an e-note or e-mail to Sherri Kawell the Station Manager and ask when she expects the upgrades to be finished. Another item was an outside vendor loading software on 757’s. From what I have found out once a month the vendor that sold United the system loads the software for the movie changes. I will look into this further next week. Also I am continuing to wait for an answer on the vacancy 2nd step. As many of you know it appears there will be an increase at Dulles of approximately 46 mechanics. In talking to Don Burbank he told me this is a direct result of the amount of work currently being accomplished at this station. He is very impressed with the output from the new ten-hour shifts.
On Wednesday Tom and I visited with the mechanics at BWI. There are a few issues that we are working on as a result of this visit. These include seniority and outsourcing questions, as well as safety related to outside vendors.
In PV this week overtime lists not being posted was addressed with Dave Hunter. In addition I called Dave Nash to have him change ESS to allow PV mechanics access to the daily OT lists. Dave told me he would look at it next week as he thinks the PV group has an earlier version of ESS. Also some one left a note on my desk that the PV department would like new vacation rules for next year. I agree they need to be changed and have talked to Mark about this. If any of the PV mechanics have ideas about what they would like please feel free to contact me.
In GQ a question was asked about the maintenance of the new Pratt and Whitney truck. At this point after talking to local management no decision has been made as to who will maintain the back of the truck.
The Teamsters have updated their website. You can now sign up to view members’ only portions of the site.
There was a good article this week on oil speculation in the Washington Post. It can be found here http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/20/AR2008082003898.html?hpid%3Dtopnews&sub=AR
That’s all for this week,
Bob
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Oil Speculation
Here is a very interesting article detailing the role of large energy companies engaged in pure speculation. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/20/AR2008082003898.html?hpid%3Dtopnews&sub=AR
Friday, August 22, 2008
Weekly update 8-22-08
Today Tom Reid started a safety related blog. It can be found here, http://http://iadsafety.blogspot.com/ Tom expects to post regular updates so check back often.
This week in MM I asked again for cargo 6 parking passes. Also I requested east reserve passes for motorcycles. The company asked and MWAA has rejected these requests. A reason is needed for the cargo 6 area. If our equipment is stored in that area then we can request these passes again. A second step hearing was held on Thursday for the open vacancy grievance. When and if it is denied it will be processed to third step. There was a question from a laid off member of whether he should have received his recall notice. After researching it was found his notice was sent in 2006. Questions were raised about overseas field services and an agreement from the New York area was brought to light. After researching this, there is an arbitration case from Miami I am looking for to get some clarification.
In GQ the ten hour day continues to meet it's goals. There are thoughts of expansion of this schedule in the shop.
In PV a discussion was held regarding OT call sheet charging. Currently the company is updating the OT hours in a random fashion. I will address this with Mark next week. Also there was a discussion of possible implementation of the ten hour schedule in PV. I made the suggestion they begin putting together a plan showing it could work in the shop. I also suggested they should talk to the people responsible for presenting this idea to Mark in the GQ shop.
There continues to be discrepancies in the way we are treated as opposed to TSA employees coming to work. When you see these people walking through with their water, soda pop and pudding I suggest you direct your complaints to this address, https://contact.tsa.dhs.gov/gotfeedback/GotFeedback.aspx I would also follow it up with a letter to your Senators and Congressmen.
Tom and I are planning a station visit to Baltimore sometime next week. It will probably be either Wednesday or Thursday.
I ran out of membership applications this week. When I receive more I will finish this process. There are less than ten needed to finish. I am also close to running out of the Employee Free Choice Act cards. Thank you all for your response to this very important issue.
On Thursday I met with a representative of the Star Alliance Union Coalition. For those that remember Ted Trynock he is an AGC with District 141 of the IAM and representative on this coalition. Ted briefed me on the general goals of the coalition. He also said to say hello to all that remember him.
WARN act notices have gone out across the system and our first layoffs should occur around October 5th. Currently it looks like there will be a number of openings at IAD. The number continues to change and when I'm told the exact number I'll let you know.
That's all for this week,
Bob
This week in MM I asked again for cargo 6 parking passes. Also I requested east reserve passes for motorcycles. The company asked and MWAA has rejected these requests. A reason is needed for the cargo 6 area. If our equipment is stored in that area then we can request these passes again. A second step hearing was held on Thursday for the open vacancy grievance. When and if it is denied it will be processed to third step. There was a question from a laid off member of whether he should have received his recall notice. After researching it was found his notice was sent in 2006. Questions were raised about overseas field services and an agreement from the New York area was brought to light. After researching this, there is an arbitration case from Miami I am looking for to get some clarification.
In GQ the ten hour day continues to meet it's goals. There are thoughts of expansion of this schedule in the shop.
In PV a discussion was held regarding OT call sheet charging. Currently the company is updating the OT hours in a random fashion. I will address this with Mark next week. Also there was a discussion of possible implementation of the ten hour schedule in PV. I made the suggestion they begin putting together a plan showing it could work in the shop. I also suggested they should talk to the people responsible for presenting this idea to Mark in the GQ shop.
There continues to be discrepancies in the way we are treated as opposed to TSA employees coming to work. When you see these people walking through with their water, soda pop and pudding I suggest you direct your complaints to this address, https://contact.tsa.dhs.gov/gotfeedback/GotFeedback.aspx I would also follow it up with a letter to your Senators and Congressmen.
Tom and I are planning a station visit to Baltimore sometime next week. It will probably be either Wednesday or Thursday.
I ran out of membership applications this week. When I receive more I will finish this process. There are less than ten needed to finish. I am also close to running out of the Employee Free Choice Act cards. Thank you all for your response to this very important issue.
On Thursday I met with a representative of the Star Alliance Union Coalition. For those that remember Ted Trynock he is an AGC with District 141 of the IAM and representative on this coalition. Ted briefed me on the general goals of the coalition. He also said to say hello to all that remember him.
WARN act notices have gone out across the system and our first layoffs should occur around October 5th. Currently it looks like there will be a number of openings at IAD. The number continues to change and when I'm told the exact number I'll let you know.
That's all for this week,
Bob
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Teamsters Airline Advisory Board
Yesterday the Airline Division created an Airline Advisory board of several key airline local leaders for the purpose of advising Director Bourne on industry issues.
The release can be found here http://www.teamster.org/08news/hn_080818_2.asp/
Our Principal Officer, George Miranda, is to chair this committee.
The release can be found here http://www.teamster.org/08news/hn_080818_2.asp/
Our Principal Officer, George Miranda, is to chair this committee.
Monday, August 18, 2008
PBGC Info
The PBGC is utilizing a more aggressive investment strategy to come up with an approximately 14 billion dollar shortfall. They say this is needed to avoid a taxpayer bailout. As for me I would like to see a conservative investment approach rather than lose what little we have with this agency. A bailout does not frighten me as much as government money managers playing with our annuity. If you agree you should write your Senators and Representatives to let them know you disapprove of this action.
A link to an article addressing this is found here. http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080818/pension_investments_risks.html?.v=4
A link to an article addressing this is found here. http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080818/pension_investments_risks.html?.v=4
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Weekly Report 8-16-08
This week I turned over a few safety issues to Tom after his return from vacation. These include the concrete dust and breaking into lav lines along with a couple other issues.
There have been a few incidents over the last couple of months involving members having problems with each other. So far these have all been addressed at the lowest possible level. In this stressful environment I expect this will continue. My advice is if you start feeling angry or frustrated, remove yourself from the situation or if that's not possible try counting to ten before you say anything. This is important because if the company has to get involved they tend to walk off all parties involved and let the Union fight for the members jobs.
This week in MM the vacancy bypass grievance was elevated to second step. Also it appears that our numbers will increase this fall due to increased overnight work.
For GQ/PV I talked to Mark regarding staffing levels in the shops. At this time for GQ staffing appears correct and PV is down one. I also addressed the DAT calling issue and will visit PV to talk to the crews about what I was told.
The Business Agents for all locals met this week regarding UAL. When I have information on this meeting I will pass it on.
Rumors are floating about people receiving notices of furlough. I'm sure these rumors are true, but I do not have solid numbers yet.
I have received a copy of the system seniority list from Bob Luciano this week, along with a copy of the voluntary furlough letter.
That's all for this week,
Bob
There have been a few incidents over the last couple of months involving members having problems with each other. So far these have all been addressed at the lowest possible level. In this stressful environment I expect this will continue. My advice is if you start feeling angry or frustrated, remove yourself from the situation or if that's not possible try counting to ten before you say anything. This is important because if the company has to get involved they tend to walk off all parties involved and let the Union fight for the members jobs.
This week in MM the vacancy bypass grievance was elevated to second step. Also it appears that our numbers will increase this fall due to increased overnight work.
For GQ/PV I talked to Mark regarding staffing levels in the shops. At this time for GQ staffing appears correct and PV is down one. I also addressed the DAT calling issue and will visit PV to talk to the crews about what I was told.
The Business Agents for all locals met this week regarding UAL. When I have information on this meeting I will pass it on.
Rumors are floating about people receiving notices of furlough. I'm sure these rumors are true, but I do not have solid numbers yet.
I have received a copy of the system seniority list from Bob Luciano this week, along with a copy of the voluntary furlough letter.
That's all for this week,
Bob
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Weekly Report 8-8-08
There was an investigation this week that demonstrated how important honesty is when dealing with the company and outside agencies. The individual being questioned was forthright and took all responsibility for the incident refusing to implicate others. Everyone involved was impressed and the individual being investigated was exonerated. I know it seems easy to try to make things better by fudging the facts or hiding from responsibility, but time and again in hearings and investigations the people that choose the higher road fare better.
In MM there was a discussion on how field services are called. For long term trips anticipated to last longer than 24 hours with more than 24 hours advance notice everyone will be called. For all other trips the regular efs call sheet will be used. There was a grievance filed for a vacancy created in another station. This grievance was denied and will be processed to the second step next week. The issue of concrete dust on the ramp was discussed with management. It is my position that no one should work under a cloud of concrete dust. The contractor responsible for this will only use water to minimize the dust upon request. Management is supposed to request the use of water, so if you see concrete dust let management know so they can tell the contractor to use water.
In GQ/PV this week a couple of smaller issues were discussed with management. These issues seemed to be resolved but I will continue to monitor them. There has been no resolution yet on the PV vacation issue. I will try to get together with Mark next week to talk about it.
The pilots this week decided maintenance standards at UAL have become lax. They are a couple of years late in noticing this. Maybe with continued pressure from the Teamsters, the Business Travelers Coalition the TAMC and now the Pilots, people will begin to pay attention. Here is a link to the story if you haven't seen it http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idINN0851299220080809?rpc=44
Also last week the TTD ( Transportation Trades Department ) of the AFL-CIO sent out a letter regarding changes coming from the NMB regarding how union representation is decided in mergers. The NMB have determined a substantial majority ( no definition of this ) of people would need to support a union rather than the 50% plus one previously required. This information was passed on to the TAMC. Here is a link to the TTD, http://www.ttd.org/
There only about twenty more people needing to fill out membership applications. I have requested some more applications and will be getting them to you as soon as possible.
The Teamsters are trying to get 1 million people to sign cards regarding the Employee Free Choice Act. These are the post card sized cards you have been filling out. I would like to thank everyone for their support so far. We are well over 50% signed after a little over a week of passing these cards out. This along with the issue regarding the NMB are two very good reasons to be involved in politics. If anyone is interested in signing up for DRIVE, the Teamsters Political Action Committee, I have the cards in my office.
That's all for this week,
Bob
In MM there was a discussion on how field services are called. For long term trips anticipated to last longer than 24 hours with more than 24 hours advance notice everyone will be called. For all other trips the regular efs call sheet will be used. There was a grievance filed for a vacancy created in another station. This grievance was denied and will be processed to the second step next week. The issue of concrete dust on the ramp was discussed with management. It is my position that no one should work under a cloud of concrete dust. The contractor responsible for this will only use water to minimize the dust upon request. Management is supposed to request the use of water, so if you see concrete dust let management know so they can tell the contractor to use water.
In GQ/PV this week a couple of smaller issues were discussed with management. These issues seemed to be resolved but I will continue to monitor them. There has been no resolution yet on the PV vacation issue. I will try to get together with Mark next week to talk about it.
The pilots this week decided maintenance standards at UAL have become lax. They are a couple of years late in noticing this. Maybe with continued pressure from the Teamsters, the Business Travelers Coalition the TAMC and now the Pilots, people will begin to pay attention. Here is a link to the story if you haven't seen it http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idINN0851299220080809?rpc=44
Also last week the TTD ( Transportation Trades Department ) of the AFL-CIO sent out a letter regarding changes coming from the NMB regarding how union representation is decided in mergers. The NMB have determined a substantial majority ( no definition of this ) of people would need to support a union rather than the 50% plus one previously required. This information was passed on to the TAMC. Here is a link to the TTD, http://www.ttd.org/
There only about twenty more people needing to fill out membership applications. I have requested some more applications and will be getting them to you as soon as possible.
The Teamsters are trying to get 1 million people to sign cards regarding the Employee Free Choice Act. These are the post card sized cards you have been filling out. I would like to thank everyone for their support so far. We are well over 50% signed after a little over a week of passing these cards out. This along with the issue regarding the NMB are two very good reasons to be involved in politics. If anyone is interested in signing up for DRIVE, the Teamsters Political Action Committee, I have the cards in my office.
That's all for this week,
Bob
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Conference call update
Today on the conference call several things were discussed over a two hour period.
There will be a General Chairperson appointed on the United property soon. This position will be the lead contact for all things involving UAL.
The first issue talked about was testing for transferring between job groups in the mechanic classification. This issue continues to be discussed with the company and when a resolution is reached I will pass it on.
Outsourcing continues to be an issue, and establishing committees per the agreement is being worked on. This is in addition to the 20% grievance currently in arbitration. The grievance on the Panasonic Contract is continuing as well as the "me-too" grievance regarding Flight Attendant pass privileges.
There is a person to contact regarding insurance benefits. If anyone is having issues with insurance on United give me a call and I will forward the information to you. This person is also working on open enrollment issues with United.
Several WARN Act notices have gone out in Chicago, but not yet in other locations.
The date for the 1% retro is not firm yet, but it should be paid soon.
We are still waiting on information from the Wilson polling center regarding the outcome of the recent poll on opening the agreement. If the poll suggests opening the agreement the IBT will quickly form a negotiating team, train them, and file the section six openers. Also the IBT is working on a better system of communications during negotiations on all carriers they represent. From what I understand there will be weekly reports regarding progress during the entire process.
An accurate seniority list is being sent to the Business Agents across the system. In addition a copy of series 75-2 is being sent to the BA's as well as a copy of the voluntary furlough letter.
Be careful as the company appears to be looking for excuses to terminate people for small things across the system. Fortunately we have not seen that here, but better to be safe than sorry.
That's all from the call,
Bob
There will be a General Chairperson appointed on the United property soon. This position will be the lead contact for all things involving UAL.
The first issue talked about was testing for transferring between job groups in the mechanic classification. This issue continues to be discussed with the company and when a resolution is reached I will pass it on.
Outsourcing continues to be an issue, and establishing committees per the agreement is being worked on. This is in addition to the 20% grievance currently in arbitration. The grievance on the Panasonic Contract is continuing as well as the "me-too" grievance regarding Flight Attendant pass privileges.
There is a person to contact regarding insurance benefits. If anyone is having issues with insurance on United give me a call and I will forward the information to you. This person is also working on open enrollment issues with United.
Several WARN Act notices have gone out in Chicago, but not yet in other locations.
The date for the 1% retro is not firm yet, but it should be paid soon.
We are still waiting on information from the Wilson polling center regarding the outcome of the recent poll on opening the agreement. If the poll suggests opening the agreement the IBT will quickly form a negotiating team, train them, and file the section six openers. Also the IBT is working on a better system of communications during negotiations on all carriers they represent. From what I understand there will be weekly reports regarding progress during the entire process.
An accurate seniority list is being sent to the Business Agents across the system. In addition a copy of series 75-2 is being sent to the BA's as well as a copy of the voluntary furlough letter.
Be careful as the company appears to be looking for excuses to terminate people for small things across the system. Fortunately we have not seen that here, but better to be safe than sorry.
That's all from the call,
Bob
Friday, August 1, 2008
Weekly Report 8-1-08
Congress recessed today without passing any legislation in regards to oil prices. Hopefully demand destruction is enough to continue to bring prices down.
This week it was revealed that Wal-Mart told it's employees not to vote for Democrats because of the Employee Free Choice Act. This act would make it easier to unionize, and Wal-Mart is very distraught. For those that don't know, the Teamsters have begun a campaign to sign cards urging passage of this legislation. I have these cards and will be passing them out.
In MM the ten hour day continues to be productive. There is currently research being done on a potential contract violation regarding a vacant Lead position. In addition two first step grievances were filed for an Article Ten violation regarding RDO code awards.
In GQ the Company stated that the ten hour day continued to meet goals. There is a possibility of expansion of this schedule in the fall.
In PV a safety violation was brought to me and I will forward it to Tom on his return.
For all I am trying to wrap up the membership applications. If you have not filled out the three page form I have them and will be around with them next week. Also the initiative for the 1% wage rate increase, instead of the Success Sharing program, passed. Information on the vote can be found here http://www.teamster.org/resources/ualmechanics/PDFs/080728_UAL_Ballot_letter.pdf
The Business Agent and Chief Steward conference call will be held on the 5th and I will post the synopsis on the blog.
That's all for this week,
Bob
This week it was revealed that Wal-Mart told it's employees not to vote for Democrats because of the Employee Free Choice Act. This act would make it easier to unionize, and Wal-Mart is very distraught. For those that don't know, the Teamsters have begun a campaign to sign cards urging passage of this legislation. I have these cards and will be passing them out.
In MM the ten hour day continues to be productive. There is currently research being done on a potential contract violation regarding a vacant Lead position. In addition two first step grievances were filed for an Article Ten violation regarding RDO code awards.
In GQ the Company stated that the ten hour day continued to meet goals. There is a possibility of expansion of this schedule in the fall.
In PV a safety violation was brought to me and I will forward it to Tom on his return.
For all I am trying to wrap up the membership applications. If you have not filled out the three page form I have them and will be around with them next week. Also the initiative for the 1% wage rate increase, instead of the Success Sharing program, passed. Information on the vote can be found here http://www.teamster.org/resources/ualmechanics/PDFs/080728_UAL_Ballot_letter.pdf
The Business Agent and Chief Steward conference call will be held on the 5th and I will post the synopsis on the blog.
That's all for this week,
Bob
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