Merger Amalgamation Progress Report
This new article section will be used to report on the amalgamation progress as steps are taken to complete the process. Items to be discussed will be regulatory milestones, such as a detailed look at SOC and the effects of a single carrier status filing, negotiations updates from the steering and negotiating committees, benefits updates from the benefits committee and seniority integration updates from the seniority integration committee. The first steps taken to begin the process are underway as reported in the below article which was also discussed in the Airline Division’s “Week in Review” newsletter from earlier this week.
Principal Officer – Business Agent Meeting
On Friday February 10th Principal Officers and Business Agents from around the system met to chart the course forward through the merger for all three represented groups. Items discussed included the size and scope of the rank and file seniority integration, steering and bargaining committees. In addition to the size of the above committees there were discussions of outside experts being retained to assist with the merger process.
Arbitrator Ralph Berger has been retained to assist the seniority integration committee during the process with any questions or concerns. Arbitrator Berger is very accomplished and has a wealth of experience in merging seniority lists. He will be a valuable asset to the process of seniority integration.
The Benefits Review committee made up of rank and file members from sub-CO and sub- UA has been working with Peter Hardcastle from Cheiron to discuss pension and healthcare.
There were two new committees established at the meeting; Member Communications and Education Committee and the Scope Review Committee. The Education and Communications committee will be responsible for putting out timely and accurate information as the process unfolds. Communications will be done through the Mechanics Dispatch and will be distributed via email and through the various Local and International websites. The scope review committee will be responsible for a detailed review and vetting of scope language for the Joint Collective Agreement.
Of course as the union continues towards the negotiation of the agreement, input from the membership will be a key component. Members will be asked for feedback through proposals and bargaining surveys. Members are encouraged to also continually share their thoughts with members of the various committees throughout the process. Only through the actions of the membership and the various committees will an acceptable agreement be reached. Members are encouraged to continue to watch for updates and stay informed.
EAP Committee Report
It seems that just after the first of the year we tend to make resolutions that sometimes are hard to follow through with. Don’t get down on yourself. It may be that something that is worthwhile may take a little effort to reinforce in our life style to have a long term effect. Wellness is defined as taking charge of your health and recovery to attain optimal health and well being. Do you feel “stressed or “over whelmed” by outside pressures you feel are beyond your control? Such as unhealthy dependencies on Alcohol, Prescription pain medication, smoking or overeating. Have your finances after the holiday’s got you feeling like you’ll never get out from under your bills?
These are just a few of the life events that your Union EAP Coordinator or Field Rep can help with. If you’re stressed or depressed about something in your personal life and it’s affecting your time at work, get in touch with your Teamster EAP to help you get back on the path of recovery from almost any obstacle you may have in your life.
Flight Safety Report
The United Airline IBT Flight Safety Committee held a conference call to discuss the organization of the committee under the new contract. Continental Airlines safety committee also attended.
The committee members discussed involvement in the United Airlines Safety Management Systems (SMS) various programs. Members talked about how training would be done to be effective advisers in partnership with the company.
Several issues discussed were the lack of information published by the company when new policy is enacted, particularly the necessity of requesting inspection when rig pins are removed from airplane systems and subsystems. Also talked about were the differences between United Airlines and Continental Airlines maintenance requirement when pins and other blocking devices are install. Several members mentioned the company allowed inexperienced mechanics to do complicated tasks without oversight.
The committee asked for additional information from NASA ASRS program concerning reports and the use of those reports in FAA hearings. The committee also expressed concern over the recent rejections of MSAP reports and the company’s Insulation Monitoring Program or IMP.
The committee will meet again next month.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
IBT United Airlines Early Out Program
For more information about the United Airlines Early out Program and the cost of the Pre and Post MEDICARE supplemental. Click on the links below.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Tech OPs Early Out Summary Plan and Description and Application
For more information on The Tech OPs Early Out Summary Plan, Description and Application visit United Airlines "Skynet" and go to "My Department" Below is a link for the log in..
Copies of the summary and application will be avalible in the Union Office on Thursday.
SkyNet
Copies of the summary and application will be avalible in the Union Office on Thursday.
SkyNet
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Mechanics Dispatch
Compliance Concerns
Members are advised to use an abundance of caution regarding compliance with maintenance manuals andother controlled documents. There have been several issues across the system of non-compliance and itappears the FAA is increasing its presence in several cities. When caught up in a compliance issue makesure to file an MSAP/ASAP report as soon as possible. Your flight safety rep or steward should be able toguide you through the process. The License Protection Program is a great safety net; but it's designed to bejust that, a safety net.
Please don't rush through a job without reading the proper paperwork; otherwise you open yourself up topossible discipline and potential license action.
Division and Locals Attend Denver Steward Training
On February 2nd and 3rd Local 455 hosted a joint Steward and Management training session on the new sub Unitedcollective bargaining agreement. A panel of Business Agents and International Representatives explained the interpretationsof the new language to the audience while fielding clarifying questions. Prior to the session the Stewards put together a listof frequently asked questions which aided conversation over the two day seminar. Grievance Committee Chairman MitchHunt kept the meeting on track and was aided by Committee Secretary Scott Brown. Bill Langan - GQ Shop Steward said,“this was valuable training because it helped me to understand the contract in layman’s terms.”
A special thanks to Steve Vairma, Principal Officer of Local 455 for hosting the event, and also to Business AgentJohn Hennelly for his work behind the scene and for making sure the panel made it to the sessions.
The panel members were Business Agents Ralph Salzano - Local 210 and Dave Elmore - Local 986, and InternationalRepresentatives Clacy Griswold and Bob Fisher.
Attending for the Union were; Mitch Hunt, Scott Brown, Don Ramsey, Ken Meidinger, Jon Burton, Vic Austin, Mike Brooks,Ron Campbell, Glen Nilson, Kevin Zunker, Ron Clanton, Saied Foroutun, John Lambert, Tony Malleck, John Dwyer, BillLangan, Mark Kulachkosky, Bruce Rowe, Mark Brocklander, Sam Kaleikini-Wolfe, Mike Romero, Mike Donofrio, PeteAngelos, Rick Olsen. The company was represented by Nick Accardi, Andy Alsdorf, Tom Willey, Bob Amundsen, Gary Dyerand John Weakland.
Members are advised to use an abundance of caution regarding compliance with maintenance manuals andother controlled documents. There have been several issues across the system of non-compliance and itappears the FAA is increasing its presence in several cities. When caught up in a compliance issue makesure to file an MSAP/ASAP report as soon as possible. Your flight safety rep or steward should be able toguide you through the process. The License Protection Program is a great safety net; but it's designed to bejust that, a safety net.
Please don't rush through a job without reading the proper paperwork; otherwise you open yourself up topossible discipline and potential license action.
Division and Locals Attend Denver Steward Training
On February 2nd and 3rd Local 455 hosted a joint Steward and Management training session on the new sub Unitedcollective bargaining agreement. A panel of Business Agents and International Representatives explained the interpretationsof the new language to the audience while fielding clarifying questions. Prior to the session the Stewards put together a listof frequently asked questions which aided conversation over the two day seminar. Grievance Committee Chairman MitchHunt kept the meeting on track and was aided by Committee Secretary Scott Brown. Bill Langan - GQ Shop Steward said,“this was valuable training because it helped me to understand the contract in layman’s terms.”
A special thanks to Steve Vairma, Principal Officer of Local 455 for hosting the event, and also to Business AgentJohn Hennelly for his work behind the scene and for making sure the panel made it to the sessions.
The panel members were Business Agents Ralph Salzano - Local 210 and Dave Elmore - Local 986, and InternationalRepresentatives Clacy Griswold and Bob Fisher.
Attending for the Union were; Mitch Hunt, Scott Brown, Don Ramsey, Ken Meidinger, Jon Burton, Vic Austin, Mike Brooks,Ron Campbell, Glen Nilson, Kevin Zunker, Ron Clanton, Saied Foroutun, John Lambert, Tony Malleck, John Dwyer, BillLangan, Mark Kulachkosky, Bruce Rowe, Mark Brocklander, Sam Kaleikini-Wolfe, Mike Romero, Mike Donofrio, PeteAngelos, Rick Olsen. The company was represented by Nick Accardi, Andy Alsdorf, Tom Willey, Bob Amundsen, Gary Dyerand John Weakland.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Senate approves long-stalled aviation bill
The Senate voted Monday afternoon to approve a House-passed bill aimed at improving the nation’s aviation infrastructure and modernizing air traffic control systems. The bill would provide more than $60 billion in funding through fiscal year 2015.
The Senate voted 75 to 20, ending a streak of 20 short-term funding extensions for the Federal Aviation Administration since 2007 as Democrats and Republicans struggled over a longer-term bill.
The House passed the bill last week on a vote of 248 to 169, with most Republicans voting for it and most Democrats voting against it.
A last-minute change in the bill, negotiated by House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, made the vote on the measure into a litmus test of support for organized labor.
Democrats were critical of the provision in the bill that they said weakens the ability of unions to try to organize workers in the aviation and railroad industries.
“I don’t get why you hate unions and working people. I really don’t understand that,” Rep. Peter DeFazio, D- Ore., said to Republicans during the House debate on Friday.
And Rep. George Miller, D- Calif., called the labor union provision in the bill “an example of why it is counterproductive to negotiate with hostage takers.”
Tom Curry, msnbc.com National Affairs Writer
The Senate voted 75 to 20, ending a streak of 20 short-term funding extensions for the Federal Aviation Administration since 2007 as Democrats and Republicans struggled over a longer-term bill.
The House passed the bill last week on a vote of 248 to 169, with most Republicans voting for it and most Democrats voting against it.
A last-minute change in the bill, negotiated by House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, made the vote on the measure into a litmus test of support for organized labor.
Democrats were critical of the provision in the bill that they said weakens the ability of unions to try to organize workers in the aviation and railroad industries.
“I don’t get why you hate unions and working people. I really don’t understand that,” Rep. Peter DeFazio, D- Ore., said to Republicans during the House debate on Friday.
And Rep. George Miller, D- Calif., called the labor union provision in the bill “an example of why it is counterproductive to negotiate with hostage takers.”
Tom Curry, msnbc.com National Affairs Writer
Mechanics Dispatch Feb. 2 2012
PHLMM Reopening
Twelve sub-United mechanics will soon be headed home as a result of the new agreement. It is expected that these members will be back in Philadelphia by April 1st. Ralph Salzano; Business Agent from Local 210 has been working with Mark Prpich from Labor Relations to ensure that the recalls are processed properly. Philadelphia and Newark were opened for sub-United mechanics as a result of LOA 30 which was a settlement to the line closing arbitration case.
Fleet Plan Released
In a recent SEC 8K filing, United has indicated that it will add four 787 aircraft by the end of the year and retire four 767 aircraft. There will be several 757 aircraft retired as well. Thanks to Seattle Chief Steward Jock Creach for passing on this information.
The filing may be read by clicking on the following link: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/100517/000119312512024301/d290195dex992.htm
Payroll and Benefit Issues Continue
While the company is working to implement the new changes on the sub-United side of the house, issues continue to be reported. If you notice an error in your pay or are having difficulties with benefits please report them to Airline Division Rep Bob Fisher at rcfisher7@yahoo.com. Bob has been working with members of management to bring these issues to quick resolution.
Principal Officers and Business Agents Conference Moved
The meeting that was scheduled for February 9th has been moved to the 10th due to some scheduling conflicts. As previously reported the meeting will be used to establish steering, negotiating and seniority integration committees.
Resource Utilization
A meeting was held in downtown Chicago last Friday to discuss the company’s plan for narrow body resource utilization. The company focused on what they envision will happen after they merge the reservations systems in March. The parties discussed how mechanics will be utilized when the company starts changing cities to which aircraft fly. While no agreement was reached at this meeting, significant progress was made. In attendance for the Union were Division Director Bourne, International Representatives Clacy Griswold, Paul Alves and Bob Fisher, IBT Legal counsel Ed Gleason and Local 19 Principal Officer Robert Rasch. In attendance for the Company were Doug McKeen, Jim Keenan, Joe Ferreira, Mark Mounsey, Marcel Delhommeau, Cathy Kassley, Don Wright, and Jeff Wall.
Local 210 Puts Out a Call for Proposals
To begin the process of negotiating a new joint collective bargaining agreement Local 210 has issued a call for proposals. A link to the notice can be found here: www.ibt210mx.typepad.com
Twelve sub-United mechanics will soon be headed home as a result of the new agreement. It is expected that these members will be back in Philadelphia by April 1st. Ralph Salzano; Business Agent from Local 210 has been working with Mark Prpich from Labor Relations to ensure that the recalls are processed properly. Philadelphia and Newark were opened for sub-United mechanics as a result of LOA 30 which was a settlement to the line closing arbitration case.
Fleet Plan Released
In a recent SEC 8K filing, United has indicated that it will add four 787 aircraft by the end of the year and retire four 767 aircraft. There will be several 757 aircraft retired as well. Thanks to Seattle Chief Steward Jock Creach for passing on this information.
The filing may be read by clicking on the following link: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/100517/000119312512024301/d290195dex992.htm
Payroll and Benefit Issues Continue
While the company is working to implement the new changes on the sub-United side of the house, issues continue to be reported. If you notice an error in your pay or are having difficulties with benefits please report them to Airline Division Rep Bob Fisher at rcfisher7@yahoo.com. Bob has been working with members of management to bring these issues to quick resolution.
Principal Officers and Business Agents Conference Moved
The meeting that was scheduled for February 9th has been moved to the 10th due to some scheduling conflicts. As previously reported the meeting will be used to establish steering, negotiating and seniority integration committees.
Resource Utilization
A meeting was held in downtown Chicago last Friday to discuss the company’s plan for narrow body resource utilization. The company focused on what they envision will happen after they merge the reservations systems in March. The parties discussed how mechanics will be utilized when the company starts changing cities to which aircraft fly. While no agreement was reached at this meeting, significant progress was made. In attendance for the Union were Division Director Bourne, International Representatives Clacy Griswold, Paul Alves and Bob Fisher, IBT Legal counsel Ed Gleason and Local 19 Principal Officer Robert Rasch. In attendance for the Company were Doug McKeen, Jim Keenan, Joe Ferreira, Mark Mounsey, Marcel Delhommeau, Cathy Kassley, Don Wright, and Jeff Wall.
Local 210 Puts Out a Call for Proposals
To begin the process of negotiating a new joint collective bargaining agreement Local 210 has issued a call for proposals. A link to the notice can be found here: www.ibt210mx.typepad.com
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