February 2, 2012
PHLMM Reopening
Twelve sub-United mechanics will soon be headed home as a result of the new agreement. It is expected that these members will be back in Philadelphia by April 1st. Ralph Salzano; Business Agent from Local 210 has been working with Mark Prpich from Labor Relations to ensure that the recalls are processed properly. Philadelphia and Newark were opened for sub-United mechanics as a result of LOA 30 which was a settlement to the line closing arbitration case.
Fleet Plan Released
In a recent SEC 8K filing, United has indicated that it will add four 787 aircraft by the end of the year and retire four 767 aircraft. There will be several 757 aircraft retired as well. Thanks to Seattle Chief Steward Jock Creach for passing on this information.
The filing may be read by clicking on the following link: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/100517/000119312512024301/d290195dex992.htm
Payroll and Benefit Issues Continue
While the company is working to implement the new changes on the sub-United side of the house, issues continue to be reported. If you notice an error in your pay or are having difficulties with benefits please report them to Airline Division Rep Bob Fisher at rcfisher7@yahoo.com. Bob has been working with members of management to bring these issues to quick resolution.
Principal Officers and Business Agents Conference Moved
The meeting that was scheduled for February 9th has been moved to the 10thdue to some scheduling conflicts. As previously reported the meeting will be used to establish steering, negotiating and seniority integration committees.
Resource Utilization
A meeting was held in downtown Chicago last Friday to discuss the companys plan for narrow body resource utilization. The company focused on what they envision will happen after they merge the reservations systems in March. The parties discussed how mechanics will be utilized when the company starts changing cities to which aircraft fly. While no agreement was reached at this meeting, significant progress was made. In attendance for the Union were Division Director Bourne, International Representatives Clacy Griswold, Paul Alves and Bob Fisher, IBT Legal counsel Ed Gleason and Local 19 Principal Officer Robert Rasch. In attendance for the Company were Doug McKeen, Jim Keenan, Joe Ferreira, Mark Mounsey, Marcel Delhommeau, Cathy Kassley, Don Wright, and Jeff Wall.
Local 210 Puts Out a Call for Proposals
To begin the process of negotiating a new joint collective bargaining agreement Local 210 has issued a call for proposals. A link to the notice can be found here: www.ibt210mx.typepad.com
JBA/SBA Process Discussed
On the Business Agents call International Representative Paul Alves talked about the work required to integrate these third step processes in the future. Paul pointed out where he noticed areas of strength in each system and emphasized the need to take the best of both of these programs for the final product.
Legislative Update
On January 31st, rank and file members from IAD attended the Aero Club lunch in DC. The keynote speaker was Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. The Secretary discussed the importance of the passage of a new FAA Authorization Bill. Audience members were encouraged to ask questions and there was a discussion of Next Gen items that are already in place. Secretary LaHood emphasized the need for infrastructure spending to update the antiquated air transport system in this country. Members in attendance were Tom Reid and Jay Koreny of IAD and they were joined by Division Director David Bourne, Assistant Director Steve Nagrotsky, International Representative Bob Fisher and Jack Albertine from the Albertine Group.
Useful Links
Several members, including those on furlough status, have requested links to Local websites be added to this section. The following Locals represent these respective cities:
Airline Mechanics Forum Airline Mechanics forum
Boston Local 25
New York & Washington Local 210
Charleston & Atlanta Local 528
Miami & Orlando Local 769
Cleveland Local 964
Chicago Local 781
Houston, Dallas & New Orleans Local 19
Phoenix Local 104
Seattle, Portland,San Francisco
Los Angeles, Hawaii & Guam Local 856/986
Denver Local 455
