Happy New Year

After the miss steps by the different government agencies on the Nigerian “underwear bomber” do we really need to throw millions of dollars at the TSA for x-ray and puffer machines and or should we fund the FBI?

Slow week just wanted to say.
Thanks to Bob in IAD for starting the blog site. We'll keep it going next year maybe we can get other stations to join in.

Happy New Year..

Jock

FAA Gives Santa Thumbs-Up for Takeoff

WASHINGTON — Federal Aviation Administration chief Randy Babbitt braved snow, ice and foggy conditions at North Pole International Airport to give Santa Claus and his sleigh a thumbs-up for the jolly old pilot’s traditional round-the-world Christmas Eve mission.

During a 90-minute check ride, Administrator Babbitt made sure Santa can properly execute the demanding maneuvers and precision rooftop landings inherent in making toy deliveries. He also checked that the sleigh’s deicing equipment, reindeer propulsion system and communications and navigation systems are working properly. In addition, the Administrator verified Santa has policies in place to guarantee he and his elves will have a proper rest period before the long, all-night mission.

While the elves will have WiFi inflight internet access, St. Nick stressed he will strictly enforce his longstanding ban on distractions in the cockpit.

“Santa and his crew have always shown extraordinary professionalism in the cockpit,” said FAA Administrator Babbitt “I’m certain they’ll pull off the flight without a hitch.”

FAA Press Relase

Follow Santa on his Christmas Eve mission at NORAD

Paper or Plasitc?

Did you know that as of April 1st, 2013 your "paper" A&P mechanics certificate will no longer be valid? In addition, if you hold a "paper" pilot certificates that those will no longer be valid after March 31st 2010.

Recently there was a change under FAR 65.15 and FAR 61.17. The FAA is requiring that everyone that holds a certificate for Pilots and Mechanics to exchange the paper copy with the new “Plastic” credit card type. This would also be a good time, if you have not done so, is to get you Social Security number off your license. You can apply for the new plastic license online at FAA.gov.

Airline Division Representative Testified Before Congress

The Teamsters Union on Thursday said bankruptcy reform is needed to protect airline workers from abuse under the current law.
Stephen Nagrotsky, deputy director of the Teamsters Airline Division, testified before the House Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law hearing, “Protecting Employees in Airline Bankruptcies.”

Airlines received $5 billion in taxpayer money in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, reimbursement for increases in insurance premiums and billions in loan guarantees.
In addition to that substantial public assistance, airlines shifted their pension liabilities to the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation and the U.S. taxpayer.

Large carriers used the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to reject their collective bargaining agreements, cut employees’ wages and terminate their pension plans, Nagrotsky said.

“The Code has been used by the carriers to slash, cut and dump their employees’ wages and benefits,” Nagrotsky said.

He urged that Congress preclude airlines from using the bankruptcy code to get rid of their pension obligations without a process that takes employees’ concerns into account. A process involving negotiation and mediation has been used successfully by the railroad industry for decades.

Nagrotsky recommended that air carriers covered by Title II of the Railway Labor Act be treated the same as their counterparts in the railroad industry. Rail carriers are exempt from two sections of the Bankruptcy Code, 1113 and 365.

“Both of these statutory provisions have been used by carriers to reject collective bargaining agreements in order to outsource skilled and highly critical jobs overseas and to terminate their employees’ defined benefit pensions,” Nagrotsky said.

The Teamsters Union Airline Division represents more than 43,000 airline employees, including 18,500 mechanics across 10 airlines, as well as pilots, flight attendants, customer service agents, reservationists, simulator technicians, ramp agents, stock clerks and dispatchers.

Negotiations Update

On December 14th and 15th your Union negotiating team assembled once again in San Francisco. However, instead of meeting directly with the Company, the team convened at Teamsters Local 856's Chetcuti Hall and focused on preparation for the weekly bargaining sessions that will begin January 6th in Chicago.

This preparation process started with an extensive article-by-article review of proposals and then moved to aligning bargaining team sub-committees that will meet with Company representatives on various topics.

Throughout the month of January you can continue to get Union negotiation updates by visiting: www.IBTUALNegotiations.com

The Teamsters Airline Division would like to take this opportunity to thank your rank and file negotiating team for their commitment and dedication to securing a strong contract.

The Negotiating Team wishes you and your families a happy holiday season.

Special Report TAMC Newsletter

The fourth issue of the TAMC (Teamsters Aviation Mechanics Coalition) newsletter, Nuts and Bolts, is out and ready to read. This special-report version focuses on major current events in the airline industry that are affecting both union and nonunion employees, including:

* A hearing before the House Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure protection in which TAMC Chair, Chris Moore, presented testimony;
* Rule changes proposed by the TSA that would tighten security restrictions at foreign repair stations;
* Proposed rule changes by the National Mediation Board (NMB) that would make union elections more fair for workers in the rail and airline industries;
* And an essay by United Airlines mechanic Dave Saucedo about legal loopholes that allow non-certified mechanics to work in the United States. TAMC

787 Takeoff

Just in case you missed the first takeoff of the new 787 here is a link to the video.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Scheduled for First Flight Today

The B787 Dreamliner is scheduled to make its historic first flight today. The test flight is scheduled for 10 a.m. Pacific time, weather permitting.

Boeing is offering a live webcast of the flight at Boeing 787 First Flight.

Negotiations Update

Tentative Agreements reached on Article XX and Article XXI

After extensive discussion over a number of bargaining sessions, the Union and Company have come to tentative agreements on Article XX - Safety and Health as well as Article XXI - General and Miscellaneous.

The parties will now proceed to preparing for an accelerated negotiation schedule that, if successful, could lead to significant progress toward reaching a comprehensive agreement. While bargaining team is proceeding to accelerated negotiations with the aim of securing a strong contract, rest assured that the Union negotiating team is entering this process responsibly and with the appropriate level of understanding of the history here at United.

Pension Meeting Next Week

On December 17th in San Francisco top officials from Union and Company, along with their experts will meet again with representatives from the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust. This second high level meeting regarding the Teamster Pension is a significant step in the continuation of exploring the possible transition to the Western Conference of Teamster Pension Plan. We will keep you updated on the progress.

Upcoming Negotiation Dates

December 14th and 15th in San Francisco

Weekly January sessions in Chicago

Embraer to bid on planes

12:40pm EST

BRUSSELS, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer will be invited to join a tender to supply narrow-bodied planes to United Airlines, the head of United's parent company UAL Corp said on Wednesday.

"We are going to go into the narrow-bodied (plane) market next year. We are going to invite Embraer into that competition," UAL Chief Executive Glenn Tilton said in an interview.

Tilton also said he was seeing a gradual, steady improvement in the corporate and international travel market and that media estimates of the size of discounts that UAL won on plane orders it placed this week were "on the low side".

Taking advantage of reduced market prices, United Airlines said on Tuesday it had placed a $10 billion-plus order for 50 wide-bodied jetliners divided between Airbus and Boeing Co.

United has letters of intent to order 25 of Boeing's 787 Dreamliners and the same number of A350 planes from its European rival Airbus, part of EADS, following a six-month contest. The carrier also has future purchase rights for 50 of each aircraft. (Reporting by Pete Harrison, editing by Dale Hudson)

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSBFA00099720091209?type=marketsNews

Boeing - Airbus

On a webcast held this morning, UAL CFO said that the orders were perfectly timed and that both manufactures were financing. The up front money totals $125 million over the next five years. Mr. Tilton said these new airplanes will lower maintenance cost by as much as 40%.

Questioned on narrow body orders Kathryn A. Mikells, UAL CFO said that decision will be made next year.


787-8 Dreamliner
210 - 250 passengers
Range: 8,200 nautical miles
Wing Span: 197 feet
Height: 56 feet
Length: 186 feet

A350-900
Typical seating: 314
Range: 8,100 . nautical miles
Wing span: 212 ft. 5 in.
Height: 55 ft. 11.3 in.
Length: 219 ft. 5.5 in.

Jock

United Airlines orders Boeing 787, Airbus planes

United Airlines on Tuesday said it would buy its first new jets since 1998, splitting an order for 50 planes between Airbus and Boeing Co.

United said it ordered 25 of Boeing's long-awaited 787 widebody jetliners and 25 of the Airbus A350. Delivery is expected between 2016 and 2019, around the same time the airline will retire Boeing 747 and 767 aircraft.

At list prices the planes would be worth roughly $10 billion, with about $4 billion for Boeing's 787-8 and about $6 billion for the Airbus plane. United President John Tague said they got a discount, which is common for jet orders.

"We felt that we had a significant opportunity by timing the order with the backdrop of the current economic environment," he said.

United has not yet worked out financing for the planes, although Tague said the manufacturers had agreed to provide loans if needed.

John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer, said the deal is valued at about $6 billion at list prices. He said the deal is a letter-of-intent, which Airbus expects to convert to a firm order in a month or two. Once the order is official it will bring Airbus' total orders for the A350 to 530, Leahy said.

"We're not surprised by the decision to split the order" Leahy said. He said it was noteworthy because it was the first time United has ever ordered non-Boeing wide-body jets.

United, the third-biggest airline in the U.S., said this summer it was seeking dueling proposals from Boeing and Airbus to replace the biggest jets that make up nearly half of its fleet.

The orders come with future rights for 50 of each aircraft, United said.

The airline said the new jets will reduce fuel burn and environmental impact, while expanding service to more international locations.

By JOSHUA FREED
AP Airlines Writer

Negotiations Update: December 4, 2009

Keenan and Mounsey Pay a Visit on Day 1
The Union negotiating team assembled in San Francisco for contract talks with the Company on December 2nd, 3rd and 4th. On Wednesday the 2nd, the day began with a presentation by Jim Keenan and Mark Moumsey. Keenan briefed the negotiating team on the state of the industry and United's recent performance. Keenan talked at length about Maintenance's key role in reducing costs. He stressed that maintenance costs had increased over the years not because of head count but because of internal policies relating to the management of material and vendor costs. He acknowledged and thanked the mechanics and related for their contributions and in helping to reduce maintenance costs, and noted that more cost savings will require an even greater emphasis on the management of competitive sourcing of parts and materials. While the negotiating team appreciated these comments, as history has proven at United, words only go so far and thus the Union remains committed to protecting jobs through negotiating strong SCOPE language that is part of the enforceable Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Day 2 and 3 of Negotiations
The second and third day of bargaining again focused on Article XXI - General and Misc. and Article XX - Safety and Health. The parties are very close to reaching agreement on General and Misc., while there a few outstanding issues to resolve in Safety and Health.
Accelerated Negotiations and Key Cornerstones of a Strong Contract
As was reported in the November negotiation update, the parties have agreed to proceed with an accelerated negotiating schedule that will involve weekly bargaining sessions in January. This accelerated bargaining scheduled is intended to result in a strong contract. The Union negotiating team has outlined key cornerstones of what needs to be achieved in bargaining, including: Strong SCOPE language to ensure job protection Defined Benefit Pension Plan Industry Standard Wages & Benefits Revamping of the Grievance Procedure Seniority Rights

Upcoming Negotiation Dates
December 8th, 9th, as well as December 15th, 16th, and 17th in SFO
In January 2010 bargaining will be held every week in Chicago.
You can view all negotiation updates at www.IBTUALNegotiations.com

Standing In Support of Change

The NMB will hold a 60-day mandatory comment period during which parties on both sides of the fence will have an opportunity to challenge or praise the NMB’s proposal on December 7 and 8 in Washington, D.C.
Mechanics and related workers in the airline industry are encouraged to send statements to the NMB explaining why a change in rules would benefit workers in America. Statements must be sent by January 4, 2010 and can be made via the NMB website, www.nmb.gov by clicking the “what’s new” tab, then following the step-by-step instructions under “Proposed NMB Representation Rulemaking.”
“Just because the NMB has opened the door to change the rules doesn’t mean our work is done,” Robinson said. “As workers we have to stand together and continue to fight to get these rules changes. We aren’t doing this just for us; we are doing this for any American laborer who wants a chance at a fair shake.”

United, Continental eye 3-way tie-up with ANA

United Airlines and Continental Airlines reportedly plan to apply for antitrust waivers to allow deeper cooperation with All Nippon Airways on some trans-Pacific operations, according to reports. A Japanese newspaper reports the three Star Alliance members plan to file their applications by year's end, provided the U.S. and Japan ratify an "Open Skies" treaty, as expected. The three-way partnership would be the top operator of flights between the U.S. and Japan, with approximately 38% of the market.

Murray: "Airbus/Northrop Up to Old Tricks with Drop-Out Threat"

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash), today responded to Airbus and Northrop Grumman’s transparent attempt to once again press the Air Force into tilting the tanker competition in their favor by threatening to drop out of the competition.

“Today’s threat by Airbus to drop out of the tanker competition unless the rules are changed in their favor is no surprise. This is a new competition, but the players are the same and Airbus is up to its same old tricks.

“When the last draft Request for Proposal was released, Airbus threatened to drop out unless the requirements were tilted in its favor and they are using the same tactics this time around. The end result was a bad deal for our warfighters, our taxpayers, and yet another delay in getting a new tanker into the hands of our military.

“The Air Force and the Pentagon shouldn’t be fooled by Airbus’ tricks. It’s time to move forward with a fair and transparent competition based on the needs of our military, not the bullying of an illegally subsidized foreign competitor who has made no secret of its attempts to undermine the American aerospace industry and the jobs it supports.”

TSA Opens Comment Period for Proposed Rule Making on Security at Repair Stations

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced publication in the Federal Register of a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) to strengthen the Aircraft Repair Station Security program. The proposed rulemaking would establish security requirements for maintenance and repair work conducted on aircraft and aircraft components at domestic and foreign repair stations certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
"This proposed rule supplements FAA requirements that protect aircraft undergoing repairs from terrorist threats," said TSA Office of Security Operations Assistant Administrator Lee Kair. "By enhancing repair station security, this rulemaking guards against the potential threat of an aircraft being destroyed or used as a weapon."
The NPRM requires FAA-certificated foreign and domestic repair stations to adopt and carry out a standard TSA security program to safeguard the security of a repair station, the repair work conducted, and all aircraft and aircraft components at the station.
The program will require certificated stations to implement strict access controls, provide security awareness training, and allow for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) inspections.
The NPRM is long overdue and fulfills the Vision 100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act's requirement for DHS to put forth security regulations for domestic and foreign aircraft repair stations. The public has 60 days to comment on the NPRM once published in the Federal Register.

Teamsters Support Tighter Security at Foreign Repair Stations

The Teamsters Union said Wednesday that there should be a single security standard for aircraft repair stations in the U.S. and overseas.

The House Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection heard testimony today from the Teamsters about security at overseas repair stations.

The Transportation Security Administration proposed a new security rule this week. The rule leaves out 21 foreign non-certificated stations that do work critical to the airworthiness of the aircraft, according to the Department of Transportation inspector general.

“It’s long past time to tighten security at overseas repair stations seven years after an aircraft repair technician who belonged to al-Qaida was arrested in Singapore,” said Teamsters Airline Division Director David Bourne. “Though we applaud the Transportation Security Administration for proposing a new security rule, we think that it should include all foreign air stations.”

Bourne further said that all security standards need to be equivalent to those in the U.S., including background checks.

Chris Moore, a Teamster airline mechanic, testified that he had witnessed lax security at the Aeroman facility at El Salvador International Airport, which now handles four lines of heavy maintenance for Southwest Airlines. Moore, who has worked for Continental Airlines at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston since 1986, visited Aeroman in June.

Moore told the subcommittee that Aeroman had no electronic card reader to verify that escort badges are valid. In Houston, a card that fails to be verified by electronic card readers will immediately draw a law enforcement officer.

TSA conducts surprise inspections of mechanics in the United States, though Moore saw no such inspections in El Salvador. Further, he saw no patrols of the perimeter, though many other businesses were patrolled by armed guards.

“Is there real control over who is actually working on our aircraft in a developing economy?” Moore said. “When the aircraft is stripped bare and there are literally thousands of places where explosives or other contraband can be hidden, are we willing to take that chance?”

Submitted by Richard Negri


To watch the hearing or read the transcripts click here.

Negotiations continued

Negotiations continued in Chicago on November 12th and 13th. Day one centered entirely on Benefits, with the Company's Benefits Department making various power point presentations that outlined the direction the Company wants to go in terms of health benefits.

The presentations were followed by an official health benefits proposal from the Company. The Union negotiating committee asked various questions to clarify the proposal, but informed the Company that our official response to the proposal will come after an exhaustive analysis by the experts at the IBT Benefits and Legal Departments in Washington D.C.

On day two of negotiations, the Company presented their third proposal on Article XXI, General and Miscellaneous. After a review, the Union submitted a counter proposal on the Article. Article XXI will be discussed again at the next negotiation session in the first week of December.

Accelerating Negotiations
The parties have agreed to accelerate the negotiation process. The result will be an extremely aggressive negotiating schedule in December and January that will involve a significant time commitment from the Union negotiating team.

Upcoming Negotiations Dates
December 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in SFO, and December 8th and 9th in SFOFurther dates in December and January will be forthcoming.
You can view all negotiation updates at www.IBTUALNegotiations.com

Is the Flying Public Protected?

On Wednesday, November 18, @2 pm EST the House Subcommittee on Transportation Security has scheduled a hearing on “Is the Flying Public Protected? An Assessment of Security at Foreign Repair Stations."

This hearing will evaluate security vulnerabilities associated with foreign repair stations and help Subcommittee Members assess the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) proposed security programs, risk analysis, and forthcoming rulemaking for oversight of security procedures at foreign repair stations performing maintenance on commercial aircraft.

Chris Moore Chairman, Teamsters Aircraft Mechanics Coalition has been invited as a witness. This is a very important step in telling Congress about our concerns over security of foreign repair stations.

You can watch the hearing live via the web by click here Nov 18th 2pm EST.

Jock

FAA Enforcement

For the first two quarters of this year, there has been $8,416,525 fines imposed on US airlines for maintenance. Most of the fines went to Southwest Airlines at a total of $7,500,000 and for United Airlines $56,250 this year.

To help to reduce maintenance errors always have your MM’s with you and read carefully. Night shift workers are most likely to commit errors between 3 A.M. and 5 A.M. know the symptoms of fatigue and keep an eye on your coworkers.

For more information on fatigue here are some links.
National Sleep Foundation
Sleep Education

A Day to Remember

Happy Birthday Columbia State?

In 1852, a group of people drafted a memorial to Congress to express their desire to be granted statehood to the Union under the name of Columbia.

During the Convention, it was thought to be too confusing of a name because of the District of Columbia so renamed the soon to be 42nd state Washington after President George Washington. Washington joined the Union on November 11,1889.

So Happy Birthday Washington State.

Delta Drops 20-Pound Engine Part

On Thursday, a 20-pound engine tail cone fell from a Boeing 777 plane headed from JFK Airport to Tokyo and onto the front yard of Michelle Russell in Roosevelt, Long Island. The Delta crew only realized the four-foot piece of metal was missing after it landed in Tokyo"14 hours later. While airline officials say the tail cone isn't necessary for the plane to operate (it helps with fuel efficiency), Russell said, "I'm a firm believer if you take off with something you should land with the same parts you took off with."
According to the Post, the tail cone "smashed through a tree outside [the Russell] home, bounced off the pavement and came to a halt up against the family's car Thursday afternoon." Russell said, "It looked like a piece of sheet metal, until my husband went to move it. At that point, it looked like a giant ice cream cone that was silver," adding, "If you think about it, the kids could have been outside playing, someone could have been walking down the street. I mean, that's beside the fact that it could have come thorough our roof."

Delta is conducting an investigation. And one of the Russells' neighbors decided to find a silver lining, "Well I'm hoping it's a sign of blessings coming from heaven."

BYLINE: Jen Chung

Green River

If you live in the Green River Valley around Kent and Auburn Washington, you really need to look into preparing for flooding.

Last night, I was invited to a conference call “Town Hall” meeting with Congressman Dave Reichert and Congressman Adam Smith along with Colonel Anthony Wright of the Army Corps of Engineers.

There were discussions on how to be prepared for homes and businesses. They also talked about the current repairs of the dam and how much is leaking by. Colonel Wright said that they are keeping the dam as low as it came be without dumping silt into the river. They had all stressed how critical it is if you live in the potential flood zone, you should get flood insurance through the Federal Government also knowing the evacuation routes. All of the affected cities are offering free sandbags for your homes just go to your cities website to find the locations.

For more information, follow the links below.
Here are some links that show the potential flood zones for each city.
Green River Valley — Auburn, Kent, Renton and Tukwila

http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/FloodPlan.aspx
http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/FloodPlan/GreenRiverValley.aspx

Jock

On this day today

November 4th, 1920: Air mail service has opened between U.S. and Canada. The first route had been planned from Seattle, Washington to Victoria, B.C. The pilot of the plane was scheduled to meet all boats arriving and departing from the British Columbia capital area.

November 4th, 1979: Militant student followers of the Ayatollah Khomeini storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran taking 90 hostages. The students were enraged that the deposed Shah had been allowed to enter the United States for medical treatment and they threatened to murder hostages if any rescue was attempted. No diplomatic solution could be found and President Carter ordered a rescue mission in which eight U.S. military personnel were killed and no hostages rescued. The hostages were held in captivity for 14 months and were eventually released when the US Government released $3 billion in frozen Iranian assets and promised $5 billion more in financial aid.

United Mechanics Win Bid to Keep Maintenance Jobs at SFO

United Airlines says 60 jobs at San Francisco International Airport have been saved because its local maintenance base came in with the best bid to upgrade the first class and business class cabins in 32 of its Boeing 777 aircraft. The local operation, which employs about 2,700 maintenance workers and engineers, beat out third party contractors that would have taken the work elsewhere, a United spokeswoman said. United now employs about 6,000 maintenance workers systemwide, down from about 16,000 prior to the September 11 attacks that sent the airline industry into a tailspin. The San Francisco operation, which is the airline's headquarters for maintenance, employed about 9,000 people at its pre-9/11 peak -- and is fighting to hang on to every possible job.

Pension Update

Company and the Union officials met this week with the representatives of the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Fund. The Pension Fund representatives provided an update concerning the Fund's "funded" status. A follow up meeting with representatives of the fund will be scheduled in the near future so the Company and the Union can ask additional questions.

Also this week the Union Pension Sub-Committee met to discuss the status of the Union's effort to negotiate the Company into the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Fund. The Union's attorney Ed Gleason, provided an update concerning the Pension Fund status. Impressively, even in the current economic environment, the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Fund remains in the "Green" zone. The Sub-Committee will provide a more detailed written update in the coming weeks.

Upcoming Negotiations

• November 12th and 13th in Chicago
• December 2nd, 3rd and 4th in San Francisco

What Not To Do At Work.

A worker at Washington Dulles International Airport has been arrested after running away from a security official who questioned the man about not wearing his security badge.
Airport spokesman Rob Yingling says 33-year-old Jermaine Christopher Newland of Beltsville, Maryland is charged with unauthorized entry for violating airport security regulations. Newland is being held in Loudoun County without bond on the misdemeanor charge.
Newland, who works for United Airlines, fled Tuesday morning after a Transportation Security Administration inspector noticed he was in uniform without a security badge. Newland was caught shortly after in an airport concourse after officials contacted United Airlines.
TSA spokeswoman Kristin Lee says there was no threat against the airport.

©2009 The Associated Press.

Bucking Trend, Airline Keeps Repairs In-House

Instead of outsourcing its airplane maintenance to Mexico and South America, American is sticking with its own crew of 6,000 mechanics based in Tulsa, Okla., to service its fleet. This "insourcing" strategy also allows American to contract with other airlines and freight companies to service their planes.

This is part three from NPR.
Article
Podcast

SkyWest loans United Airlines money?

The parent of SkyWest Airlines and Atlantic Southeast Airlines said Tuesday it reached an agreement with United Airlines involving operational funding and a codeshare arrangement.

SkyWest Inc. said SkyWest Airlines extended to United, a unit of UAL Corp., a secured term loan of $80 million at an interest rate of 11 percent.

The term loan is secured by certain ground equipment and airport slot rights held by United. SkyWest Airlines also agreed to defer certain amounts otherwise payable to SkyWest Airlines under the existing United Express Agreement. The maximum deferral amount is $49 million and any amounts so deferred accrue a deferral fee of 8%, payable weekly. United's right to defer such payments is scheduled to terminate in ten years.

source
MSN
Reuters

Crossed Wires: Flaws In Airline Repairs Abroad

Here is part two of a three part series on overseas maintenace from NPR reporter Daniel Zwerdling.

Article
Podcast

Jock

To Cut Costs, Airlines Send Repairs Abroad

Shortly before sunrise on Jan. 23, 2009, passengers on US Airways Flight 518, who were flying from Omaha to Phoenix, were startled by a terrifying shriek.
The pressure seal around the main cabin door was failing, and that shriek was the sound of air leaking through. The plane diverted to Denver. Everybody was safe.
But that and other recent malfunctions affecting US Airways planes, which NPR is reporting for the first time, raise questions about a controversial and growing practice at most U.S. airlines: The industry is sending 1 of every 5 planes to developing countries, from Central America to Asia, when the planes need to be overhauled and repaired.

This is a must read, click on the link below and read the rest of the story.
Here

Or Listen to Dan first hand report of his visit to Aeroman in El Salvador, Dan is a reporter for NPR. Click on link below.

Podcast

FAA Proposes $3.8 Million Penalty Against United Airlines

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $3.8 million civil penalty against United Airlines for allegedly operating one of its Boeing 737 aircraft on more than 200 flights after the carrier had violated its own maintenance procedures on one of the plane’s engines.
On April 28, 2008, a United 737 returned to Denver after shutting down an engine due to low oil pressure indications. During teardown of the engine a week later, United mechanics found that two shop towels, instead of required protective caps, had been used to cover openings in the oil sump area when maintenance was done in December 2007. As a result of United’s failure to follow its maintenance procedures, between February 10 and April 28, 2008 it flew the aircraft on more than 200 revenue flights when it was not in an airworthy condition.
United’s maintenance procedures specifically require use of protective caps or covers on all components that could be adversely affected by entry of foreign materials.
United has 30 days from the receipt of the civil penalty letter to respond to the FAA.

United Master Executive Council Elects Captain Morse Chairman

UAL 6October 13, 2009
United Master Executive Council Elects Captain Morse Chairman
Denver, Colo.—Captain Wendy Morse, a 24-year veteran of United Airlines and a long-time representative of the pilots of United Airlines, was elected Chairman of the United Master Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association this afternoon.

Captain Garry Kravit, another long-time aviator and ALPA volunteer, was elected Vice Chairman. Captain Joseph Genovese was reelected Secretary/Treasurer.

The new slate of officers will begin their two-year term on January 1, 2010.
Captain Morse, a 777 Captain based in Chicago, replaces Captain Steve Wallach, who will complete his term as Chairman on December 31.
“While there is a change in leadership, there is no change in our collective resolve to bring about industry- leading career security, wages and working conditions,” said Captain Morse.
“It has been my privilege to have served the United pilot group faithfully for the past 21 months,” said Captain Wallach, a 30 year veteran of United.

White House

On this day today October 13th, 1792 the first stone was placed to start building a new official residence for the President of the United States. The site was 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington D.C.

Some of the first names given to the new residence was the “President’s Palace”, “Presidential Mansion” or the “Presidents House”. It was not until 1811 it was recorded as the “White House”.

Agreement reached

In a key moment in the course of negotiations, an agreement has been reached that has the potential to set the stage for permanently revising the current broken grievance procedure. The Union proposal for a Joint Board of Adjustment has been agreed to in a Memorandum of Understanding for immediate implementation.

The Joint Board of Adjustment will be a panel consisting of two members appointed by the Union and two from the Company. This will be implemented on a trial basis to replace the current 3rd Step of the grievance procedure, which now relies entirely on a review and decision from a single member of the Company’s Labor Relations Department.

The Teamsters Airline Division has successfully utilized a Joint Board of Adjustment at carriers such as Continental, Frontier and Air Canada. The Division is confident that the process can be used here at United to eliminate the backlog of grievances that has created such a high level of frustration for the membership.

Non‐punitive attendance discipline will continue to be addressed in the ongoing Dependability Subcommittee meetings and are temporarily held in abeyance pending the outcome of these talks. To read the full Memorandum of Understanding please visit www.IBTUALNegotiations.com

In addition to reaching an agreement on the Joint Board of Adjustment, the parties reached tentative agreements on the Preamble as well as Article XV — Extended Illness Status.

A story you just have to say “What the …….”

For those of you that did not know in the southern part of the state of Washington there is a site called the Hanford site or Hanford Project.

This place was once home to the first nuclear bomb. There they had up to five plutonium processing complexes that produced most of the plutonium during the cold war. This facility spans some 586 square miles and the Columbia River flows along the site for about 50 miles. By 1971, most of the reactors were shut down but they left one running until 1987 to supply electrical power to the local power grid.

Which leads me to the story out of today’s Seattle PI. “What’s up, Doc? Radioactive poop at the Hanford”. One of the companies in charge of the environmental cleanup of the area had to hire a helicopter company to hover 50 feet above the reservation and search a 16 square mile area for radioactive poop.

So, if you are hiking around in south eastern Washington just be careful of what you pickup or as Dave just said step in.

Jock

The Rest of the story.

Moving on from my previous post, here is the rest of the story. SkyWest, AKA United Express has gone from a total of 13 flights departing Seattle in 2002 to 5,094 for the year 2008. These passengers have not stop flying. United Airlines management just move them over to SkyWest. Is this a way to run a business? Did United Airlines stop running an airline or are they wanting to move more to a virtual airline. No airplanes, no employees, just greed. A thought for the day.
Jock

Thought for the day

January 2000 to January 2001 United Airlines had 16,523 flights depart SeaTac Airport.

January 2008 to January 2009 United Airlines had 8,964 flights depart SeaTac Airport.

January 2000 to January 2001 United Airlines had 11,545 flights depart Portland Airport.

January 2008 to January 2009 United Airlines had 6,453 flights depart Portland Airport.

Did these passengers just stop flying or did United Airlines stop running an airline?
Jock

Ref: BTS

United Mechanic Negotiations Cut Short

Negotiations opened on Wednesday, September 30, 2009. Talks resumed where they had left off in the last meeting – with Article XVI (Transportation). The Union began by submitting its second proposal on this Article, followed by discussions. By the end of the day, the Union had not received a counter from the Company.
The Union Negotiating Committee is frustrated with the pace and progress of negotiations The Union Negotiating Committee feels that in order to place these negotiations on a positive and constructive track, the parties' current, Article-by-Article bargaining approach needs to be changed to a more phased approach, where the parties meet to hammer out multiple Articles that are inter-related. Accordingly, the Committee unanimously decided it would be a waste of time to proceed under the current process and advised the Company that it was canceling this week's second day of formal negotiations. Bargaining will resume next week on October 7th and 8th in Washington, D.C., at the IBT Headquarters.
The Company has emphasized that it is committed to negotiating a fair and equitable contract in a timely manner. The parties have agreed to regroup next week in Washington, D.C. and to work out the details of implementing a new bargaining approach as described by the Union Negotiating Committee.

On The Go

Next week the Teamsters Negotiating Team will be traveling to San Francisco to resume negotiations. Then continuing on the following they will meet in Washington DC at the Teamsters Headquarters October 6th – October 8th here is a map to the Headquarters.

In addition, I am being removed from the Matrix next week. If I get an Internet signal, I will post updates. Thanks for checking in.

"Banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies."
Thomas Jefferson President 1801-1809

Jock

American Airlines to end health plan

American Airlines has notified its non-union retirees that the carrier will no longer pay for health insurance coverage for retirees past age 65.
"This is not right," said retiree Deanna Soltis, 70, who left her Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport job with American in 1995. "The majority of us have worked 35, 40 years for this company. Yes, we can have Medicare. "But this was part of our retirement package that they shouldn't be able to take away from us," Soltis said.
Click here for the rest of the story.

The Story of the Day?

MIGHTY MANURE: Poop-to-power plant now generating electricity.

FAA Policy Change

Airlines will no longer be called ''customers'' of the FAA, the agency responsible for regulating aviation safety said. Randy Babbitt, the new Federal Aviation Administration chief, said Thursday that the agency will stop calling air carriers its ''customers'' -- a practice adopted by the Bush administration. Lawmakers have complained the agency places the welfare of industry above the safety of passengers.

"Customers" what a bunch of crap! Who in the world thought that one up and what about their real jobs? Oversight?
Sorry about the rant but come on! Thank you Randy Babbitt. You all should check out Randy's bio and you can see why President Obama appointed him as the head of the FAA.
Jock

Constitution Day

On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had created.

Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787.

UAL Board of Directors

United Airlines has named former FAA Administrator Jane Garvey to its board of directors, effective Sept 23. Garvey is the chairman of Meridiam Investment Fund NA. She also serves on the Bi-Partisan Policy Project, which is examining the future of transportation policy in the United States. She most recently served on the transition team for President Barack Obama, focusing on transportation policies and related infrastructure challenges. Prior to that, she headed the U.S. Public/Private Partnerships at JPMorgan, where she advised states on financing strategies to facilitate project delivery for state governments.

Speaking of pay

Looks like Glenn got a 19% pay raise last year and the CEO of Continental Airlines took a 6% cut in pay. I added the CEO of Delta just because he seemed to have a very good year.

Glenn F. Tilton Chief Executive Officer UAL Corporation
In 2008, Glenn F. Tilton raked in $1,702,697 in total compensation. In the previous year the CEO of this company made $1,428,393.
Total CEO compensation has increased by 19%.

Lawrence W. Kellner Chief Executive Officer Continental Airlines Inc.
In 2008, Lawrence W. Kellner raked in $6,265,314 in total compensation. In the previous year the CEO of this company made $6,686,512.
Total CEO compensation has decreased by 6%.

Richard H. Anderson Chief Executive Officer Delta Air Lines Inc.
In 2008, Richard H. Anderson raked in $17,442,655 in total compensation. In the previous year the CEO of this company made $359,223.
Total CEO compensation has increased by 4756%.

Jock

Health Care

The Kaiser Foundation has posted a new report on the cost of health care. According to their site, premiums have risen 131% since 1999 and workers contributions have increase 128%.

Meanwhile Congress is dead lock on any type of reform. The bill that is due out of the Senate finance Committee is looking more like a blank check to the insurance companies. At least with the bank bailout they have to pay back the loan with interest.

Some are saying they do not want the government to get between my doctor and me. What do you think the insurance companies are doing? How do you think United Health group can afford to pay their CEO $25 a minute (annual compensation $3,241,041)?

Call your Congressman and demand they have a public option in the bill. Click here to find your representative.

Jock

Bankruptcy

We all know the meaning of that word. Today is the one year anniversary of the largest bankruptcies in the United States. Lehman Bothers was founded in 1850 and collapsed in 2008.

Behind every success or failure there are the CEO’s and board of directors. One name you might recognize from the board for Lehman Brothers would be Stephen M. Wolf. Wolf was the Chairman of Lehman Brothers Private Equity Advisory Board.

December 1987 Mr. Wolf was named the head of Allegis Corp., at the time the parent company of United Airlines. Prior to his coming to United Airline he and Frank Lorenzo took Continental into bankruptcy in 1983. Here are a few other companies that Mr. Wolf was a member of the board.
Republic Airlines
Flying Tigers
Pan American World Airway
United Airlines
US Airways
How many of these companies were taken into bankruptcy or ceased to operate?

Jock

Patriot day

We all remember September 11th 2001 and how our country was hit, one of the worst day in our nation since Pearl Harbor on December 7th 1941. Patriot day is a day to remember. Tomorrow don’t forget to put up a flag and take a moment to remember our coworkers of Flight 93 and all the men and woman lost on that day.

Jock

Chicago to give UAL an extra $10M to move

Crain's reports: The Daley administration is coughing up an additional $10 million to entice the parent of United Airlines to move its operations center downtown from the northwest suburbs, boosting the total subsidy to nearly $36 million. A $10-million grant comes on top of a tax-increment financing subsidy of roughly $25 million that city officials disclosed earlier this month when they announced UAL Corp.'s decision to move 2,500 jobs from Elk Grove Township to Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive. Full story

Freedom of Speech

Today the Supreme Court will hear arguments again, in a case that could reverse major gains made in recent decades to reduce the influence of corporate money on federal elections.

The court heard this case last June, but in a surprising move, Chief Justice Roberts said that it would rehear it and also reconsider two previous landmark campaign finance cases. In other words, the Supreme Court has transformed a case that posed a limited challenge to the McCain-Feingold law into a sweeping challenge to a century old support of campaign finance restrictions on direct corporate financing of candidate campaigns.

Since 1907, the United States has recognized that corporations have certain rights, but they are not citizens, they do not vote, so those rights can be limited.

Corporate campaign contributions were banned in federal elections in 1907 and in 1947, the law was amended to affirm what had been understood to be the case.

It would not take too many $10 million campaigns by a corporation to defeat a House member who voted against that corporation or establish a threat to obtain undue influence over other House members.

The issue is the First Amendment right of free speech. Conservatives who oppose campaign finance regulation argue that corporations have the same right to free speech and to political speech as anybody else does.

The First Amendment gives people rights, no place in the Bill of Rights does it give any rights to a corporation. With our current conservative court, we could see corporations gain even more power.


Jock

Who flies the passengers out of SeaTac airport ?
Carrier Passengers Share May 2009
Alaska 10,543
Horizon Air 3,458
Southwest 2,724
United 2,132
Northwest 1,726
Other 7,573

Carrier Passengers Share May 2007
Alaska 10,580
Horizon Air 2,809
United 2,667
Southwest 2,653
Northwest 1,709
Other 6,928
Bureau of Transportation Statistics

Labor Day History

As the Industrial Revolution took hold of the nation, the average American in the late 1800s worked 12-hour days, seven days a week in order to make a basic living. Children were also working, as they provided cheap labor to employers and laws against child labor were not strongly enforced.

With the long hours and terrible working conditions, American unions became more prominent and voiced their demands for a better way of life. On Tuesday September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers marched from city hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first-ever Labor Day parade. Participants took an unpaid day-off to honor the workers of America, as well as vocalize issues they had with employers. As years passed, more states began to hold these parades, but Congress would not legalize the holiday until 12 years later.

On May 11, 1894, workers of the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago struck to protest wage cuts and the firing of union representatives. They sought support from their union led by Eugene V. Debs and on June 26 the American Railroad Union called a boycott of all Pullman railway cars. Within days, 50,000 rail workers complied and railroad traffic out of Chicago came to a halt. On July 4, President Grover Cleveland dispatched troops to Chicago. Much rioting and bloodshed ensued, but the government's actions broke the strike and the boycott soon collapsed. During the course of the strike, 13 strikers were killed and 57 were wounded. An estimated 6,000 rail workers did $340,000 worth of property damage (about $6,800,000 adjusted for inflation to 2007). Debs and three other union officials were jailed for disobeying the injunction. The strike brought worker's rights to the public eye and Congress declared, in 1894, that the first Monday in September would be the holiday for workers, known as Labor Day.

President Cleveland's bid for re-nomination at the 1896 Democratic National Convention failed because of his response to the strike.

Please support Amerijet Pilots

Amerijet Video to be Watched and Shared with Others.

David Bourne, Teamsters Airline Division Director, asked that the following link be sent to all Airline Division members and locals, as well as all other Teamster divisions and locals, with the request that members send it to everyone they know, especially U.S. Congressmen and Senators. Video

Internet's 40th "Birthday" Marked

In fall 1969, computers sending data between two California universities set the stage for the Internet, which became a household word in the 1990s. Article

September 2nd 1969, in a lab at the University of California, Los Angeles, two computers passed test data through a 15-foot gray cable.

“Cash for Geezers”

As I was listening to my favorite talk show host, he was talking about an idea to bring down unemployment and to stimulate the economy. Lower the SS retirement age to 55 and increase the benefits to the levels you could live on. This would open up the job markets to a new workforce, people can then pay off student loans, buy new houses and cars, and otherwise drive the economy from the bottom up. Which will further increase tax revenues further strengthening the Social Security system.

He coined this new plan “Cash for Geezers” you can read the rest of the article by clicking here.
Seemed to work for the "Cash for Clunkers" program.
Jock

United Mechanics/IBT Cabin Crew Subcommittee

United wanted to change the work schedule of the some 150 mechanics doing interior refurbishing work on United's fleet by shifting to a five-day work week. The change would have introduced quality of life issues for the workers. The Subcommittee was able to reach accommodations with management to work out any scheduling problems. Also a monitoring system was developed to assure productivity was maintained. Representing the mechanics were Clacy Griswold, Paul Stripling, Rich Petrovsky, and Bob Fisher (IAD), Greg Sullivan (SFO), George Graham (ORD), Pete Angelos (DEN), Ramon Gonzalas (DEN), Alanzo Quijada (LAX), and Roger Apana (HNL). The company negotiating team was led by Tim Canavan, V.P. Line Maintenance.

Tentative Agreement Reached on Article XI - Vacancies

Negotiations resumed this week in Chicago. On August 17th, 18th, and 19th the Teamsters Negotiating Team met with the Company officials to continue discussions on non-economic contract articles.
This week's negotiations centered on Article XI Vacancies, which covers the many different aspects of the bidding process including the posting of bulletins, transfers, and temporary assignments, including their duration. At the end of the second day, a tentative agreement had been reached on this article. Your negotiating team feels that this agreement is fair and equitable. It also more clearly defines the intent of this language in order to provide better protection for the membership. We are hopeful that this first tentative agreement will lead to more productive discussions in these negotiations for the coming months.
For the comprehensive negotiation update, please visit: http://www.teamsterstakeaction.org/ct/n1scyl91IBqi/

Right to Life?

"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is one of the most famous phrases in the United States Declaration of Independence.

Did the founding fathers say that I have a right to life? Our Constitution gives us legal rights. I know the First Amendment gives me the right to free speech.

There is a lot of debate these days over health care reform. Some believe government should stay out, they cannot run a health care program. Medicare and the Veterans Administration are two examples of government run health care. I have used the VA and I like the service I received. There are even senior citizen are saying they don’t want government run health care even though they are on Medicare???

SEC filings show that between the year 2000 and the year 2007, profit of the country‘s 10 largest health insurance companies rose 428 %. In 2000, they had $2.4 billion in profit. By 2007, it was $12.9 billion.

The CEOs of the 10 largest health insurance companies were taking home an average compensation of $11.9 million each every year, while the number of Americans without health insurance for whom a burst appendix can mean bankruptcy.

Would a government health care option and reducing these gigantic profits lower health care cost and help pay for the 46 million uninsured Americans? There must be an answer. Who will pay?

The current bill in the House has a "surcharge" (you can see an example below). “All families with adjusted gross incomes below $350,000 and all individuals with adjusted gross incomes below $280,000 will not see their taxes go up.”

1. A family earning $400,000 would contribute $500 to provide access to affordable health care for all Americans – 0.13% of their annual income.

2. A family earning $500,000 would contribute $1,500 to provide access to affordable health care for all Americans – 0.3% of their annual income.

(House Bill)

Total uninsured in Washington State.
1994-96 626,493
2006-07 732,315
(Robert Wood Johnson Foundation)


Listen to both sides, look at the bill before the debates begin. The facts are out there you just have to peel back the political B.S. We need to do something, cost continue to climb up an average of 10% each year since 1960. (Kiaser Employer Benefits) I know yours and my income has not gone up 10% each year which in turns equates to a pay cut.

Jock

Just a BIll

“School house Rock” was a animated musical educational short films that aired during the Saturday morning children's programming on the television network ABC. One of the segment which first aired in 1975, was how a bill becomes a law, how it must go through Congress, and how it can be vetoed on.

It seemed so straightforward and educational. I wonder if that poor animated bill ever knew about the word “lobbyist”?

Just for the year 2009 there has been 667 lobbyist record in the Air Transport category ranging from Aero Astro to Xcor Aerospace with a total lobbying expenditures of $40.7 million. Now contrast that with the Pharmaceuticals/Health Products with a total number of 1,545 lobbyist and expenditures of $134 million. This is by far the highest of any group this year the second place was Oil/Gas at $82 million. It is no wonder that our Congressman and Senators have a tough time pushing a bill through.

Could you ever envision a day you could call up your representative and have a meeting with him or her?

This past Thursday I was invited to a “Town Hall” conference call with my Congressional Representative Dave Reichert from the 8th District in the state of Washington.

I had spent a few hours researching concerns of mine from aviation safety to health care. It was time for the call and I got nothing… The number they had sent me was not a valid number. Therefore, I tried his office to call his office in Mercer Island, WA and nothing but a busy signal. Maybe I am not part of the “Right” lobbing group.

Just a bill Video

A thought for the day.
Jock

FAA to order retesting.

The Federal Aviation Administration will require 1,400 airplane mechanics certified at a San Antonio facility to retest or have their licenses revoked. Click here for the rest of the story.

Negotiations continue

During the two days of bargaining in Denver on July 29th and 30th talks focused on Article XI Vacancies and Article XX Safety and Health. Negotiations on Article XI Vacancies involved a great deal of discussion on temporary assignments and how to ensure the system is fair and equitable. When discussions moved to Article XX Safety and Health, the parties covered the role of Union EAP reps. The Teamster negotiating team emphasized the clear value of having trained Union EAP reps that can provide quality face-to-face assistance to the membership.

Union Pension Sub-Committee Meets
Led by Chief Negotiator Clacy Griswold and IBT attorney and pension expert Ed Gleason, the Union Pension Sub-Committee met in Denver, Colorado on July 30th, 2009.
Mr. Gleason briefed the committee on Pension issues, explaining that the stock market and stricter funding requirements created by the Pension Protection Act played a significant role in the financial strain and outright disappearance of "single employer" pension funds (such as United's old plan). Mr. Gleason went on to outline the advantages of "multi-employer" pension plans. For example, the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension, as a "multi-employer" plan, has over 5,000 employers making contributions to the plan creating the type of funding diversification that ensures stability.
The Teamsters feel strongly that that market volatility associated with a 401k means it is not an adequate replacement for a real pension. The Teamsters view a better role for a 401k as a supplement to a strong "multi-employer" pension plan such as the Western Conference Pension.
The committee was briefed on the strength of the Western Conference Pension Plan, Mr. Gleason summarizing it by stating: "The Teamsters Western Conference Plan is absolutely one of the best multi-employer pension funds in the nation."
Please see the attached document for the comprehensive negotiation update, or to view online, please visit: www.IBTUALNegotiations.com

Cool $91 Million

Reading United Airlines most recent quarterly report, I noticed under the “Capital Commitments” United has a Nonbinding commitment for 42 A319 and A320 aircraft, which equals to $2.3 billion. In their filings, they state that they believe it is “highly unlikely that it will take delivery of these aircraft”. In addition, that it will have to forfeit $91 million of the advanced delivery deposits.

Airbus is currently reporting a 2,600 A320 family backlog and as reported on June 23, 2009. Airbus took delivered of the first A320 aircraft assembled at its Final Assembly Line China (FALC) in Tianjin China. Gives a new meaning to “Made in China.”

With United Airlines backing out of the orders this is a win, win for Airbus. They will cut their backlog down by 42 aircraft and they get a cool $91 million.

Jock

Aircraft Acquisition

Last June in an employee meeting, the Senior VP of United Services Jim Keenan had discussed the request for proposals for new aircraft from Boeing and Airbus to replace the 767 and the 757. There was an interest to have mechanics share input and these might help United Airlines on evaluating the bids. United has a form on line to solicit your input. I would highly recommend that everyone take this survey. You can find it on Skynet just go to the United Services page and click on Aircraft Acquisition Employee Input Form. This form will only be available from July 24 – August 14.

Jock

Overhauling the Grievance Procedure

Negotiations again centered squarely on the subject of revamping the Grievance Procedure (Article XVIII). One key facet of the negotiations held on July 23rd and 24th involved Business Agents and Chief Stewards from each city presenting data supporting the Union's Grievance Procedure proposal. The Agent's reports demonstrated that the current grievance procedure is broken and that the 2nd and 3rd step backlogs are a major contributing factor to the workforce's low morale.

United Update on Getting a Pension Plan for the Mechanics

One of the Union's top priorities is to secure defined benefit pension benefits and retirement security for the UAL mechanics and related craft and class. The Union's representatives have been advised that although the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC) will not and cannot restore the UAL defined benefit plans that were terminated during the UAL bankruptcy, the PBGC will not oppose any effort to negotiate UAL into a defined benefit multiemployer pension plan. Having secured this "green light," IBT Chief Negotiator Clacy Griswold and IBT counsel Ed Gleason met with representatives of the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust to discuss the possibility of negotiating UAL into the Fund. The Fund's representatives confirmed the Fund's administrative procedures and benefit structure. The Fund's representatives advised that they would be available to attend "road shows" with the membership to discuss the Fund's structure in greater detail and to answer any questions. Union representatives have also met with the Union's actuaries who are providing expert assistance with respect to the Union's UAL pension project. Finally, Chief Negotiator Griswold has scheduled a meeting of the negotiating committee's pension subcommittee next week. The subcommittee will meet in Denver, Colorado, when contract negotiations resume.

UAL may move.

United Airlines' parent, UAL Corp., is in talks with the owners of Willis Tower about moving a 2,800-employee operations center from Elk Grove Township to the former Sears Tower, according to a report by Crain's Chicago Business, citing unidentified sources.
Crain's reported that UAL is considering leasing about 450,000 square feet in the 110-story skyscraper, and that the talks involved the Daley administration.

20% Farmout

There are four points that the arbitrator placed his decision on. They are as follows:

1. The meeting between the company and union in 1998 (at that time it was the IAMAW) which LaRocco said the union could not substantiate never happened as was stated by jerry Nelson.
2. The subsequent financial reports supplied by the company which showed the maintenance budget figures.
3. The 2003 restructuring agreement with IAMAW which included language to exclude the heavy maintenance costs from the 20% farm out Article 2 D. 4 where the language states, (that except for the change to heavy maintenance, the OSV formula would apply “as currently calculated” to conclude that the IAM was formalizing its agreement to the change in OSV formula. (see the attached summary from Bill Wilder)
4. AMFA took too long to file the grievance. (see the attached summary from Bill Wilder)

The documents can be found here, and the second one is here.

Jock

Southwest Airlines Inspects Planes After Emergency Landing

Southwest Airlines is inspecting nearly 200 of its aircraft overnight after a hole in the fuselage of a plane forced an emergency landing in West Virginia. Charleston, West Virginia, airport spokesman Brian Belcher says passengers on the 737 aircraft could see the outside through the 1-foot-by-1-foot (30-centimeter-by-30-centimeter) hole in the rear of the plane. The cabin lost pressure, but no one was injured. The plane, which originated in Nashville and was headed to Baltimore, landed safely in Charleston Monday evening. It’s not clear what caused the damage. Southwest Airlines Co. spokeswoman Marilee McInnis says the company was inspecting all of its 737-300s overnight as a precaution. Service Tuesday shouldn’t be affected. The 137-seater makes up about a third of the carrier’s fleet of 544 jets.

http://teamsterair.org/

Teamsters Airline Division Launches Web Site

The Teamsters Airline Division on Monday launched a new web Site, teamsterair.org, to more fully inform its members and to provide them with a way to communicate with each other using the Internet.

Continental Gets Air Alliance Clearance

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Friday granted final approval for Continental Airlines Inc. to participate in a new joint venture with members of the Star Alliance group of carriers. The move came two weeks after the Justice Department blasted the plan as being harmful to consumers and competition.
The DOT, which has sole authority to give antitrust immunity to international airline cooperation agreements, had given a provisional go-ahead to the plan in early April and had been expected to issue its final order on June 1. But behind-the scenes wrangling with new Obama administration appointees at the Justice Department delayed the process.
The Wall Street Journal.

Human factors

Human factors principles and methods can help aviation maintenance technicians perform their jobs with more efficiency, more safely, and less stressful. Do not let anyone of these get you. Remembering the “Dirty Dozen” will help keep you and your coworkers safe.

The Dirty Dozen
1. Complacency
2. Pressure
3. Norms
4. Lack of Resources
5. Distractions
6. Lack of Awareness
7. Lack of Communication
8. Stress
9. Lack of Assertiveness
10. Fatigue
11. Lack of Knowledge
12. Lack of Teamwork

Jock

Negotiation Update

Negotiations resumed this week in San Francisco. On June 16th and 17th the Teamsters Negotiating Team once again met with Company officials to continue discussions on non-economic items. Grievance Procedure Day 1 of the talks focused heavily on the grievance procedure, the Union feeling strongly that the system needs to be overhauled to encourage grievances to be settled at the lowest possible level. To get a sense of the direction the Union would like to take in re-shaping the grievance procedure process, the Union's Opening Non-Economic Proposal is available for viewing at: www.IBTUALNegotiations.com Discussion on the grievance procedure issue will continue when the parties reconvene in mid-July. Layoff and Recall The second day of negotiations centered on the Union's new Layoff and Recall proposal. The Company had a number of questions aimed at clarifying the portion of the Union's proposal that allows greater flexibility in the exercise of seniority in times of layoffs. You can read the language of the new Layoff and Recall Article proposed by the Union starting on page 81 of the Union's Opening Non-Economic Proposal posted on the Web at: www.IBTUALNegotiations.com

Income Taxes

This is an excerpt out of the latest SEC filing for United Airlines. I just looked at my pay stub and I will be paying more taxes then United Airlines in the second quarter? Take a look at the filing you'll also find a little more information on how well United did on "fuel hedging".

SEC

Income Taxes
Because of its net operating loss carry-forwards, the company expects to pay minimal cash taxes for the foreseeable future and is not recording incremental tax benefits at this time. The company expects an effective tax rate of 0% for the second quarter of 2009

Jock

United Airlines Shops At Paris Air Show

PARIS (Dow Jones)--Executives of United Airlines, a unit of UAL Corp. (UAUA), were shopping for new aircraft at the Paris Air Show Monday, hoping to use their clout as a major buyer to make a deal with manufacturers that have taken just a handful of new orders this year.

Earlier this month, the airline said it planned to order new, more efficient planes as soon as this autumn. The airline, which hasn't taken delivery on planes since 2002, put off refreshing its fleet to conserve money.

In an interview, Kathryn Mikells, chief financial officer of the Chicago carrier, said United is meeting with plane makers Boeing Co. (BA) and Airbus as well as with engine makers.

"This is a long-term strategic decision about our fleet," she said. Although United now operates both Boeing and Airbus planes, the airline believes it would make economic sense to switch to a single fleet type over time, Mikells said.

"This decision will set our course for several decades," the executive said. United is looking to replace 100 of its large, widebody aircraft, and 94 smaller Boeing 757s. "This can happen simultaneously, although we haven't determined the size of our initial order," Mikells said. She said the large size of the order should allow United some flexibility on when it can take delivery of the planes. Mikells said United will explore financing arrangements with manufacturers as well as financial institutions, once the ordering process is further along.

The rising price of fuel makes replacing older aircraft more important than ever, since new planes can save 20% to 30% on fuel and maintenance costs.

Still, as airlines continue to struggle with weak revenue, some have worried that United may take on too great a financial burden; Fitch Ratings downgraded the airline's debt after the new fleet plan was announced.

Mikells said United remains committed to shoring up its balance sheet, and will continue to seek creative ways to do so.

Article

FedEx Launches Campaign to Derail Proposed Legislation

FedEx announced a "multimillion-dollar" campaign to derail proposed federal legislation that would make it easier for the company's workers to organize. FedEx has been the sole beneficiary of a provision that its lobbyists quietly slipped into legislation in October 1996, making FedEx the only freight and package-delivery company in the United States whose non-FAA certified employees are regulated under the Railway Labor Act governing railways and airlines. The proposed language which would put FedEx under the same labor laws as other companies like UPS which provide the same services. The Teamsters have lobbied hard for this legislation.

Hoffa Praises House for Passage of TSA Reauthorization

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa praised the House of Representatives on Thursday for swiftly passing HR 2200, which would tighten transportation security.

Hoffa also thanked House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson for his work on the bill authorizing spending for the Transportation Security Administration.

"This important legislation takes the right step toward robust national security," Hoffa said. "It tightens security for surface, air and maritime transportation, protecting our nation and provides needed security training for workers within the transportation industry," Hoffa said.

David Bourne, director of the Teamsters Airline Division, sent a letter to Chairman Thompson on Wednesday supporting the work of the Homeland Security Committee.

"I am pleased that the House recognizes the need for a single high security standard for aircraft maintenance," said Bourne, "Currently, U.S. aircraft maintained and overhauled in foreign countries do not have to conform to the same security standards as domestic repair stations. This loophole has potentially dire consequences for passengers and the aviation professionals that we represent."

HR 2200 orders TSA to issue long-overdue security standards for foreign repair stations that are comparable to domestic standards for air carriers and airports. The standards would cover background checks, access to aircraft and perimeter security in order to prevent terrorists from infiltrating our aviation system and harming the U.S. or other countries.

The bill will now move to the Senate consideration. The Teamsters will continue to lobby on Capitol Hill until this important legislation is signed into law.

Really?

Yesterday United Airlines sent out a "Retraction" to the new bid area in IAD (IADLM). The company has said they are going to recall but these mechanics will be assigned midnight shift and 6-2 RDO schedule. No ten hour shift, so much for quality of life issues.

Seattle Update

New Lead: Bob A has been awarded the Lead vacancy for SEAMM he will be starting on Monday next week on swing shift. Also we will be adding four “New” mechanics that are coming over from the recent furlough of the shops. These new mechanics will be on day shift for the first week for training then onto swing. Finally onto to midnight shift.

New Bid area: IAD has posted a new bid area and will be accepting bids. This will be IADLM the new crew will be tasked to maintain and focus on improving the “workability of items in the cabin” There will be crews similarly set up at the hub stations.

Airframe Maintenance Reorganized: Bob Madigan, managing director of Airframe Maintenance in San Francisco will be adding an operational manager for each dock to handle the “needs of the business”. Yes, I did say each dock. What ever happen to having two OM’s and having supervises do their job and what do the four VP’s we have for United Services do?

New Planes: This week, United Airlines sent a request for proposal (RFP) to Airbus and Boeing to replace the widebodies and the 757 fleet. It was reported by Bloomberg news that this could be a $20 billion order. The last year we took delivery of an aircraft was 2002. The average age of our fleet is 13 years.

Safety: Last Sunday we had a mechanic in Portland working on an aircraft engine got his right middle finger crushed between a cowling latch and hydraulic line. Remember to keep your mind on the job, get help when you need it and stay safe.

Jock

Contract Negotiations

A two‐day bargaining session held May 26th and 27th in San Francisco, the Union met with the Company for contract negotiations. After brief opening comments by Teamster Airline Division Representative Clacy Griswold and Company lead negotiator Marcel Delhommeau, the remainder of the two days of meetings focused on the presentation of the Union’s Non‐Economic proposals. With the 2009 negotiations being the first for the Teamsters on behalf of the Mechanics and Related at UAL, the number and scope of these Non‐Economic proposals are wide‐ranging. Non‐Economic Items covered in negotiations include:
Article IV – Classifications of Work and Qualifications, Article V – Progression, Examinations, and License Requirements, Article VI – Hours of Service, Article IX – Travel Pay, Article X – Seniority,Article XI – Vacancies, Article XII – Leave of Absence, Article XIV – Sick Leave, Article XV –Extended Illness Status, Article XVII – Disciplinary Action, Article XIII – Bargaining and Grievance Procedure, Article XX – Safety and Health, Article XXI – General and Miscellaneous, Article XXV –Union Representation, New Article – Layoff and Recall, New Article – Field Service, New Article –Training

Pension SubCommittee
As reported in previous updates, the Union and Company have agreed to form a Joint Pension Sub‐Committee. The parties have exchanged information pertinent to exploring the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension and a meeting is expected in the coming weeks. Participating on the Pension Sub‐Committee for the Teamsters will be:
Clacy Griswold – Union Chair; Ed Gleeson– I.B.T. Legal; Peter Finn – Communications, Kevin Giegoldt – ORD; Dion Cornelious – LAX; Larry Calhoun – East Coast Line; Jock Creach – West Coast Line; Bob Fisher – IAD; Joe Schwirian – SFO; Selection for Denver Forthcoming

Upcoming Negotiations
In San Francisco: June 16th, 17th and July 23rd and 24th. In Attendance for the IBT: Clacy Griswold ‐ Airline Div. Rep., Ed Gleason IBT. Legal, Paul Alves, ‐ Airline Div. Rep., Negotiating Team: Roger Apana, Rick Barnes, Larry Calhoun, Chris Cermak, Dion Cornelious, Bob Fisher, Kevin Giegoldt, Ramon Gonzalez, George R. Graham, Dominic Gulley, Ken Meidinger, David Saucedo Business Agents: Dave Elmore, Matthew Fazakas, Peter Finn, John Hennelly, Bob McAllister, Paul Molenberg, Rich Petrovsky, Paul Stripling In Attendance for the Company: Marcel Delhommeau, Anita Davis, Mark Prpich, Kellee Allain, Paul Darrow, Lilian Song, Gary Kaplan, Kathryn Cassley.

To see a complete list of proposed changes click here.

Jock

System shakedown

May 21, 2009, the company completed the system shakedown for mechanics impacted by the reduction in automotive and building maintenance work at 9 line stations.
Participating from the Union were Mark Gabriel SFO, Rick Barnes SFO, Kevin Giegoldt ORD, Dion Cornelius LAX, Al Quijada LAX and Phil Stewart SEA.
· The initial number of mechanics identified as surplused was approximately 80.
· Due to about 25 voluntary layoffs, early outs, and additional retentions at some locations, the number impacted was reduced to about 55 mechanics.
· Approximately 27 mechanics took station layoffs.
· Approximately 8 mechanics filled vacancies on the system.
· Approximately 7 mechanics in the PV and GQ skill displaced the junior mechanics on the system.
· Layoff notices have been sent out to impacted employees with an effective date of June 7.
With the announcement by the company of mechanic staffing adjustments at the hubs earlier this afternoon, there remains approximately 100 A&P vacancies on the system. These will be filled from mechanics on layoff AND from those with local permanent bids. IF a station recall list is exhausted, the company will then go to the system bid list.
The final numbers and the resulting juniority dates for each station will provided as soon as the recalls are finalized.
This is the first voluntary movement for mechanics in over a year. Anyone who desires to move locally or on the system should make sure they have a current bid on file.

TAMC News Letter

Check out the first editon of the Teamsters Aviation Mechanics Coalition news letter. There is a lot of good information and a very good article from Dave.
TAMC Nuts & Bolts

United Welcomes Back 107 Mechanics in Recall

Today we announced the recall of approximately 107 Line Maintenance mechanics from furlough as an investment in our key areas of focus related to our Clean, Workable Product and operational reliability initiatives. These mechanics will focus on improving the workability of items in our cabins, reducing the number of out-of-service aircraft and ensuring the reliability of our airplanes. "The International Brotherhood of Teamsters approached us to discuss opportunities to efficiently improve the workability of our aircraft, and we are pleased that collaboratively we were able to work out a way to bring these mechanics back," says Jim Keenan, SVP-United Services. "It is essential that we make strategic investments in our product, to continue providing our customers with great service." The 107 mechanics will be recalled at all of our hubs. The recall process will begin immediately.

This is out of todays United Airlines "NewsReal"

Have a Safe Memorial Day.
Jock

PBGC

House Labor Committee Opens Investigation into Alleged Improprieties by Bush Pension Agency Head. Click here to visit Congressman George Miller press statement.

Negotiations Next Week

The Teamsters Negotiations Steering Committee has a fully drafted non-economic proposals and the Union is ready to present them to the Company at the May 26th negotiations session in San Francisco. After presenting the proposals to the Company, they will be made available for viewing by the membership.

Negotiations Dates in San Francisco
May26th & May 27th
June 16th & June 17th

Reductions

With the reduction of the mechanics in our GQ and PV shops four mechanics will be bumping out to aircraft maintenance, two have system options to bump to another station and two more will take the early out and voluntary furlough options.

With the four bumping into aircraft maintenance, I was notified this morning that there would not be a secondary layoff here in Seattle for “at least a couple of months”.
Jock

Take a quick second to check your paperwork

“I have my faults. But being wrong ain’t one of them.”
-- Jimmy Hoffa

Normally those of us in the aviation maintenance field can associated with that famous quote from Mr. Hoffa because at 30,000 feet in the air, we can’t afford to be wrong. Lately however, there is a new trend showing its ugly little head. Across the system we are seeing many more incidents of injuries, aircraft damage and mistakes. We are asked daily to do more with less and in a shorter amount of time. The deep cuts of the beginning of the year are beginning to take their toll and it would appear that the company has found the maintenance “quick” or that point at which we start to bleed.

I have reflected on you many times of the pride I feel for the work and professionalism we are all displaying. We have met the company’s many challenges, and where possible exceeded the expectations. We truly need to continue that trend, but must become more aware of our surroundings. Please use a bit of caution, and take a quick second to check your paperwork. That second set of eyes we were used to having around is too often just not there anymore, so again please be careful.

Straight on to the local front with the GQ/PV issues, the company has begun the shake down procedure here like at many other stations. As of today, there is still no official word on how this will affect those of us in MM, at least not here in Seattle. The latest we did hear, in opposition to the claims by the station manager of a seamless transition, is the GSE mechanics bumping in to the MM line maintenance area will be allowed some time to come up to speed. Those of us, who were looking to get a summer “vacation” will now be getting a paycheck for a bit longer. We do not know how long the “break in” period will be or the status on the early out - voluntary lay off option for MM, but as we learn more we will share.

There has been much talk generated from the proposal for the company to consider participating in the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Fund. One query dealt with the IBT’s history of questionable investments with pension plan funds, as sensationalized by books and the big screen. According to the Encyclopedia of White-collar & Corporate Crime, former IBT President James R Hoffa was convicted in a 1964 Chicago case of diverting $20 Million dollars from the Teamster pension fund, and although the fund continued to grow through this dubious transaction, he served 4 years in jail. Today, CEO’s can completely trash pension programs and savings accounts of hard working families while personally making millions in the process, and then are rewarded for their accomplishments. Thank you, but I’ll put my faith in the Teamsters pension fund -- Dave

Pension Discussion

David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division, has proposed to the Company that it consider participating in the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Fund http://www.wctpension.org/. The Company responded with a willingness to analyze and seriously consider the idea. The Union and the Company then agreed to form a Joint Pension Sub. Committee to explore the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension option. Stay tuned for further updates on the Pension issue as discussions with the Company progress. Rest assured, the IBT is committed to fully educating the membership on the Pension issue. Ultimately, if the parties can agree at the bargaining table, you will make the final decision through a vote of the membership.

Negotiation update

April 29, 2009
The Teamsters Negotiating Committee and officials from United Airlines formally launched contract negotiations yesterday, April 28th, 2009 in Chicago.
This first session was largely introductory, with both parties providing opening comments and outlining general themes and objectives. The Union will present its official non‐economic proposals to the Company when the parties meet again on May 26th and 27th in San Francisco.
After the IBT presents the non‐economic proposals to the Company at the May meetings, those proposals will be posted on Negotiations Update.

GQ/PV shop

Seattle and Portland will maintain its GQ/PV shop but there will some changes such as combining the two shops, eliminating the 10-hour shift and there will be some reductions. The company was not willing to give the exact number. My belief is that there might be ways to mitigate some of the layoffs.

The other factor is that the shops must maintain their current production levels for a ninety-day trial this is not unlike what the Check Crew in Aircraft Maintenance did last year and they were able to step up the pace.

Thanks to our Teamsters GQ/PV committee and especially Phil Stewart, Rob Pennell and Clacy Griswold for doing an outstanding job. Out of the nine stations that were going to be cut only two will be outsourced. The Seattle Station manager had told us that HNL and BOS would be the two cut.

Currently the company is saying that June 7th will be the common furlough date. The mechanics will stay on their current shift up until the furlough date.

As more information comes out, we will update the blog.

Jock Creach
IBT Coordinator.

PV/GQ Update

Phil and I have a meeting with the company this morning at 10:30AM. As soon as I can I will be back and update the Blog.

Jock

No news yet on PV and GQ. Sorry 'bout that. The company is having some kind of meeting or conference call tomorrow, Wednesday, and are supposed to make an announcement sometime after that.

Hmmmm. Didn't we hear that yesterday? I think maybe we did, but hey, when the time comes to ruin and disrupt peoples lives, you want to savor that. Don't do it all at once, take your time, watch em squirm. Or maybe they are just cautiously and carefully moving forward? You decide. I know my opinion. Anyway, the new promise is a decision tomorrow. Uh, your turning blue......... Dave.

News

New source of information please check out the new Teamsters Magazine. Especially the article on Teamsters Aviation Update. You might know the author.

Jock

HORIZON AIR MECHANICS VOTE OVERWHELMINGLY TO BECOME TEAMSTERS

Sorry, no news on the GSE issue. I do know that the Union met with the Company and talked again early today, but have no details. Last word, was the company would release info on Tuesday. I'll keep nosing around and see if I can learn any more over the weekend. If I find something out, I'll post it here, and send it to the Stewards.

The IBT has a new communication site. It is a bit less formal and has some good articles. Check it out at www.teamstermagazine.com

Dave

For all of you following, the opening session for Contract negotiations has been rescheduled to April 28 in Chicago. I still have no word on the PV/GQ issue, but will pass on what I am able to find out.

Dave

Due to a family emergency with the Union Lead negotiator, the first meeting with UAL on the 14th has been postponed. I will let you know what details I can as I lean them.

Dave

News of the Day

Looks like United Airlines and Continental Airlines are closer to a virtual merger. US transportation officials plan to issue a show-cause this week that will clear the way for final approval by the end of May. This will bring Continental into the Star Alliance forming closer ties through their transcontinental venture.

Fridays UAL Board watch and bonuses.
Glenn Tilton 675,000 shares issued April 3, 2009 = $3,955,500
John Tague 245,000 Share issued April 3,2009 = $1,435,700
Kathy Mikells 155,000 Share issued April 3,2009 = $908,300
Pete McDonald 155,000 Share issued April 3,2009 = $908,300

*Dollar values are based on today’s opening

GQ/PV update.

Last Thursday our Teamsters committee met with the company on the review on the 9 non-hub stations there has been no decisions made. There is more on going talks. We have been told to expect a decision around April 20th. Ignore the rumors and as soon as we hear we will get the word out.

Congressman Oberstar

Capt. Bourne Met with Congressman Oberstar last week Airline Division Director David Bourne met with Congressman James Oberstar, Chairmen of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which oversees air transportation in Congress. A full agenda of issues were discussed including, FAA Reauthorization, outsourcing, anti-trust immunity for airline alliances, and proposed Express Carrier legislation. Congressman Oberstar was told the IBT likes the outsourcing language in the FAA reauthorization bill, but we believe stronger language is needed including a moratorium on new outsourcing. Also, the FAA language gives three years for implementation, which if far too long in the IBT's view. A follow up visit was made to Cong. Oberstar's Chief of Staff, to reiterate the points made with the Congressman.

Roth IRA ??

By now most of you should have seen a letter from United Airlines talking about transfer or deposit money into a Roth IRA.

This was a result a law that was signed last December. This new law was “Worker, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act 2008.

Bottom line if you received a letter along with an IRS Form 8935, you can deposit that money into a Roth IRA without penalties.

From my records I received payments on August 18th, 2006, March 8th 2007 and November 7th 2007. These payments were sent to you by check or direct deposit. So we have already received and or spent the money. But if you have a good savings account you can open a Roth IRA and get started with your retirement, Contact your financial person to find out the details…


GQ/PV
Latest update on the ongoing saga with the outsourcing of our Ground Support and Building Maintenance mechanics is that our Teamsters Committee will meet with the company next Thursday April 2nd, 2009. As soon as we get any word on the outcome we will get that information out.

Jock

IBT negotiations

We have added two new links on the right hand column. One is the IBT and seems that United Airlines have started their own. This will be a good source for the latest news on our IBT negotiations. Negotiations will begin on April 14th in Chicago with a one-day session covering the "State of the Company”.
Teamsters
United Airlines

Cash Incentive?

If you have not received your latest “A14” check it is coming. For those who do not know United Airlines has started this new program.

A :14 Cash Incentive Program
“Eligible represented employees will receive a monthly payout of $100 if we achieve a first-place DOT ranking in A :14 performance. If we achieve a second-place DOT slot or our stated A :14 goal for the month, a $65 payout will be made. When we are successful in reaching our on-time goals for the month, employees will share in the rewards.”

I received mine today and was surprised, we are still making goal but not the DOT first place ranking. So I got a whole $65. After looking at it I was remembering of a SEC filing that United made on March 20th, 2009 I was really surprised.

I got $65 and paid 16% in federal tax. But in the SEC filing United submitted and I quote “The Company expects an effective tax rate of 0% for the first quarter of 2009.” It appears that if you loose money on fuel hedging the company can write that loses off. But wait, gas has gone up for me and you in the last quarter and I am paying more to get back and forth to work. Why can’t I write that off?

On a local front Charles Wyant stop by the office. He is working midnight shift in SFO but is staying on the ten hour shift. He said he found a place to stay but it is costing him $800 for a room. Yes a room not an apartment but just a room! So much for making a middle class pay and a livable wage.

GQ/PV
Still no news on the bids for GQ and PV, rumor has it that there was three companies that bid on Seattle. But our Teamsters committee has not had a chance to look at the bids or scrutinize them. As you are aware Phil Stewart is our point man and as soon as something comes out we will know. He and his team are well prepared to counter and “funny business” the Company might throw at them.

Last week during the Contract Steering Committee meetings in San Bruno, Ca we were given a presentation on a “Short Term disability Program” if you are interested in the details stop by the office and I have the handout. Basically it's an insurance that would pay out if you are sick or have an off-job accident.

David will be off to Washington DC for a TAMC meeting and training classes this week and Jim Brokaw will be off to a Human Factors training to represent us on the Flight Safety Committee at Love field next week. I hope to get a report as soon as I can from them and I will post it here. So stay tuned…

Lastly there are a lot of rumors and no sold answers so don’t buy into them get the fact.

Jock