Compliance Issues Causing Scrutiny
It was mentioned on the weekly Chief Steward call that mechanics are continuing to see correspondence from the FAA regarding compliance issues. As a result of the merger, aircraft with unfamiliar configurations or engines and other equipment are being redistributed throughout the system. Please use paperwork with the correct effectivity for the aircraft you are servicing. Don’t fall into the trap of assuming you are working on familiar equipment. Take five minutes to research the aircraft you are servicing and avoid fines and the hassle of having to write statements to and appear before the FAA in hearings.
Don’t Let Stress Impact the Task at Hand
Merging two airlines can cause stress and anxiety in an already hectic work environment. Studies have proven that both these conditions can have a significant impact on job performance by affecting the more vulnerable short term working memory function. Stress can also cause a sense of abnormal haste in completing a job which can lead to mistakes, or overlooked items.
This can become even more critical when the work area is unfamiliar, such as a different aircraft configuration. It was discussed on this week’s call that there have been more frequent incidences of finding tools and shop supplies where they don’t belong. When you finish a task make sure you have your tools with you. Discovering that one of your favorite tools is across the country is never a good feeling, but finding out your flashlight was flying around in a wheel well or that your wrench was in an intake causing engine failure is even worse. The time to avoid these scenarios is right after the job is complete.
Don’t get in too much in a hurry that you forget to look around your work area before you close up. It’s much better to have a frustrated supervisor than a lost tool or damaged aircraft.
Programs Available In the event of an Accident or Incident
If you get involved in an incident regarding the above two items, please contact your flight safety representative immediately to ensure that you fill out an MSAP/ASAP form as well as a NASA form. This simple action will help you avoid license action in most instances. However, if you’ve completed these forms and have not been accepted by the MSAP/ASAP committee, and you expect to or have received a Letter of Investigation (LOI) from the FAA , then the Teamster License Protection Program available. You’re Flight Safety Representative or Business Agent has the information regarding this program. The LPP can help to mitigate or eliminate licensing action by the FAA but you must respond to the FAA within 10 days of receiving the LOI. So if your MSAP/ASAP is rejected by the ERC, contact your Union Representative immediately.
Employee Assistance Program
On the sub UA side, four full time union EAP coordinators work across the system with many volunteers from the rank and file to help fellow members with personal issues large and small. EAP volunteers can help when stress levels are high because of things at work and home. If you are going through a divorce or having a problem with drugs or alcohol or worried about what is happening at work, this is a valuable tool for relief. There are company EAP programs at each of the subsidiaries but currently only sub UA has union side assistance.
If you would like to learn more about this essential program, please contact your Business Agents program director Caleb Good for information. Caleb can be reached at his office at 773-601-5142 or via his cell at 630-485-0227
Implementation Update
On the sub UA, side the first shift bid is complete for most cities. A big part of this change over is midnights going from first shift to third shift. The switchover will happen at the end of this month. The contract has provisions to deal with this one time occurrence but if you will be negatively affected, please see your supervisor and they should make accommodations for your situation. If the supervisor won’t you help deal with the changeover get your steward involved right away.
Facilities Maintenance Update
We learned in LGA that corporate real estate is sub-contracting the facilities maintenance work without regard to the CBA for rebranding. Grievances have been filed and the parties are attempting to come to resolution. Please watch for this occurring in your city if there is a facilities maintenance department.
Seniority Update
Several Business Agents representing the three airlines met with Teamster Airline Representatives on Monday to continue discussions on the ongoing merger as it relates to the mechanic seniority list. The group was again joined by professional Arbitrator and Mediator Ralph Berger, Esq.
A former attorney with the NLRB and trial examiner for the Office of Collective Bargaining, New York City, Mr. Berger has extensive experience in mediation and arbitration of employment and labor-management disputes involving a wide variety of issues including airline mergers. In his field as a lawyer, 100% of his practice is employment and labor work.
The Airline Division requested Mr. Berger’s assistance in merging the seniority lists of all three airlines with the goal of having minimal impact to our members. This second meeting with Mr. Berger was arranged so BA’s representing members across the system could further explain the complexities of our industry and the seniority concerns of our members. While the meeting was beneficial, at this time we were unable to reach a consensus within the leadership for future recommendations to the membership because of some still unanswered legal questions regarding the sub UAL Consent Decree. This subject is a complicated matter requiring opinions from various legal groups including Teamster and United Airlines legal departments. More discussions with Mr. Berger are needed to further research the information gathered by those various legal experts and the local committees in order to assure a fare and equitable resolution on seniority happens for all Teamster members. We will keep you advised of our progress.
