Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Monday, July 30, 2012

Annual Hearing Tests available on-site: August 1 and 2

The audiometric testing van will be on site at the GSE building on Wednesday August 1 and Thursday August 2.

The GSE building is located at 2230 S. 161st Street and Air Cargo Road. Parking will be available during the testing hours at the GSE building.

From the main terminal you can ride the AirServ van which departs every 15 minutes on the hour to the GSE building from the 3rd floor of the parking garage.

The entire testing process takes about 15 minutes.


The testing times are as follows:

Wednesday: 8/1/12

7:00am to 11:00am

1:00pm to 5:00pm

Thursday: 8/2/12

5:00am to 9:00am

7:30pm to 11:30pm

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Mechanics Dispatch

July 24, 2012


Negotiation Update

The Steering Committee reconvened the week of July 16th in Houston, Texas. The committee began with some healthy discussion on Article 21- (General and Miscellaneous), and then moved to the Letters of Agreements. We continued the first day with lengthy discussions on Articles 18 – (Union Security and Representation), Article 22 – (Duration)and Article 23 – (Apprentice Mechanics). Article 18 proved to have many topics of concern and discussions on these issues continued the second day. This time intensive subject was followed by another; Article 5 – (Vacancies). We ended this week’s session with more lengthy discussion on Articles 17- (Overtime), and one part of Article 7- (Hours of Service).

While much of the CAL contractual language was blended in to the latest UA and MCI agreements, it is very evident that we have at least two very different and separate companies that are reflected in the contracts of each. It is this committee’s responsibility to sew the three agreements together while still being respectful of all sides’ interests. The committee is making progress in taking the three agreements and turning them in to one, being sensitive to the sense of ownership each group has for their own respective contracts and at the same time keeping open to the members suggestions for new proposals and changes.

One such issue was spoken at length and was part of Article 7. The issue will be one of the most important for the future negotiations with the combined Company and has to do with work schedules. The fixed day off vs. the RDO pattern. This subject exemplifies the difference between the two companies and the history of the two contracts. Our challenge will be in keeping both sides content as we move forward with the new agreement. To do this will require input from the membership as well as each person on the steering committee. We are a long way from coming to a decision on how to implement the best of both worlds in this subject, but expect to take up the issue again in Denver. During this time off, we urge each of you to share your opinions and suggestions with the members of the committee, your Chief Stewards or Business Agents. Open dialog and member involvement will certainly help to ensure we come out with a beneficial agreement.

Steering Committee Tours IAH Aircraft Maintenance

This week your IBT National Steering Committee had the opportunity to visit the IAH maintenance base. They had two 757’s in two of their three hangars and the third they use for line maintenance. The break areas were a welcomed site to many of the sUA Committee members with many impressive features. The area was very well equipped and there was no sign of over zealous supervisors. Immediately upon the aircraft arriving to the hangar, the break area quickly cleared in a cooperative effort to accomplish the work at hand.

We toured their garage area and again everyone worked as a team to get the job. We saw some of the component areas were they did some engine work and APUs. The maintenance area housed other hangars that we drove by for Express Jet and their flight simulators. The Committee overall was impressed with how the mechanics assigned to these hangars worked as a team, were professional, and helped each other to get the various job assignments done to keep the operation in good working order. It shows that when we finish this JCBA that we will all be professional technicians and make the new United the best airline it can be.

Thanks to all the IAH mechanics who participated and allowed the committee to step in to their work area. Special Thanks to Local 19 Business Agent Angel Cantu, and IAH Committee members Bob Clever, Jack Harran, Craig Larson, William Lewis, Michael Nerren, and Victor Ruiz for all their help while on the tour and in Houston.

Safety Presentation

John Fischbach addressed the steering committee at the beginning of this week’s session to offer an overview of the UAL Union Safety Program. Like the EAP presentation last week, John explained his roles as a company paid representative to assist union members. UAL has long held and supported various full time union positions and the benefits to the employees/members have been invaluable. John serves as the flight safety coordinator for the UA/IBT position.

The purpose of the I.B.T. Flight Safety Committee is to expand the AMT's knowledge on current Flight Safety issues and provide an open forum to report maintenance compliance issues. Corrective actions and guidance on FAA certificate action or regulatory compliance issues will be the focus of this committee

Joe Ferreira Addresses the Committee

UAL’s Vice President of Line Maintenance addressed the Steering Committee near the end of the final day in Houston. He shared the recent announcement by UAL of profits for this quarter, but also admitted that these profits could reflect lower than expected fuel prices.

He spoke on cross fleeting issues and some of the training issues are becoming apparent. The new systems are slowing down some on the system due to unfamiliarity and he explained some of this was anticipated. Additionally, there are some bureaucratic hurdles in a few areas such as parts distribution as well as a push to get past these obstacles. He asked for some patience explaining the processes will take some time to work out all the bugs.

Ferreira ended his time with some frank answers to some specific questions from various stations. Please see your Chief Stewards for more detailed reports specific to your station and work areas.

WCT Pension Plan

Since the last dispatch we have received many e mails and questions regarding the Western Conference of Teamsters pension fund. We appreciate the overwhelming positive interest, but should point out that this is just one of the potential plans the benefits committee is looking at. We will keep you informed through future editions of the dispatch. For more information on the WCT pension plan, please visit http://www.wctpension.org

Sunday, July 22, 2012

UAL/CAL/CMI MECHANICS WEEKLY UPDATE - JULY 16, 2012

Steering Committee Hears Proposals
The steering committee met from July 10th through 12th to begin the task of putting together the amalgamated contract for the mechanics and related group at the new United Airlines. Nearly every station was represented with mechanics participating from HNL, SFO, LAX, SEA, PDX, PHX, DEN, IAH, CLE, ORD, EWR, JFK, IAD and MCO. These members and Stewards met for three full days near LAX and were assisted by Local Business agents and IBT International Representatives.
The group spent the time discussing membership proposals as well as examining several articles for improvement. The agreement sections covered were Articles 2, through 12, 19, and 20. In addition to the proposal suggestions for each of the articles, beneficial discussions were held on how the language is currently applied at both sUA and sCO throughout the system. It was quickly apparent that the open discussions between the various stations represented between the two sub-airlines would be a benefit towards serving the membership. Discussions were open and respectful, as well as useful.
Further discussions will take place in IAH the week of July 16th.  
Members from SFOMP address the Committee
Several members from the SFO Facilities Maintenance group addressed the steering committee on the first day of meetings. This group makes up SFOMP and is now listed under the BAQ’s as Trade Group 128. They are made up of several professional industries including Plumbers, Welders, Electricians, HVAC, and Carpenters among others. The “can do” attitude by these relatively few mechanics keeps the heart beat pumping for the “small city” known as the UAL San Francisco Maintenance Base.
Originally, this group of highly skilled but sometimes forgotten Tradesmen had planned on offering a tour of the facilities they are depended on to keep running. Unfortunately, since the location of the meetings changed to LAX, a new plan was quickly implemented, and they gave a presentation of their daily and often times dangerous tasks.
The Maintenance Base is unique in that it offers everything a major terminal has but is totally dependent on in-house maintenance. At a typical airport terminal; city expert professionals are called in when the facility requires a hot tap on a 12,000 volt 3 phase electrical transformer or a dig up and replacement of an underground fire suppression system, or the repair of a 12” pipe pumping steam of 375 degrees at 100 PSI. At the Base, all this and more is performed in house typically without the assistance of any outside help. The 178 IBT members who make up SFOMP are entrusted to perform these types of tasks every day.
The problem, is keeping this bid area fully staffed. On the outside, the skills and training obtained by these tradesmen can earn workers much higher pay than is provided under our agreement. Collectively, SFOMP has submitted proposals that could help rectify their concerns, without taking away from any other group of workers at UAL. The goal of this presentation was to help educate the members on the entire steering committee of this relatively unknown group. The feed back from the committee was overall appreciative and the presentation was deemed worthwhile.
UAL Teamsters EAP presentation
Employee Assistance Program Coordinators Joe Schwirian and Steve Loone addressed the steering committee in the afternoon of July 12.
The Teamsters' EAP offers free help to their brother/sister Union members and their families when a personal problem develops. The EAP Coordinators will listen to any problem and will assist in developing a plan of action that will meet the member needs. If necessary, a referral to a qualified service provider in the Community may be recommended.
The Employee Assistance Program is voluntary and it is up for the member to decide whether or not to follow through with EAP suggestions or recommendations. However, as Teamster members themselves, the EAP coordinators pride themselves in absolute confidentiality and discretion. 
The services provided by EAP are free. If the referral to a community service provider is necessary, your EAP coordinator will work with you to make effective use of your insurance benefits.
The purpose of this presentation was to help educate the entire committee of the important service this group offers to UAL Teamster members. Currently, this program is offered to sub-UA mechanics and related and is protected and funded by UAL through a Letter of Agreement. The EAP group would like to continue the work they do for the entire combined M&R group across the system and needs the support of the committee to accomplish this goal.
Benefits Committee Update
On Thursday July 12, 2012, the Benefits Committee convened in LAX to receive a presentation on the WCTPT, (Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust), from administrator Walter Pentz. Much information was given, and the plan administrator had some questions of his own. Through the Q&A process it was revealed our combined work group, s-CAL & s-UAL, has an average age of 51.1 yrs, posing a potential problem with the group being accepting into the Plan.
Later in the day the presentation was shared with the entire committee followed by another Q&A session.
As discussed in past updates, the multiemployer WCTPT is only ONE type of pension option being looked into as a viable negotiating position. Many factors will be taken into consideration before the committee will make a recommendation to all the members.
The Benefits Committee will be meeting to discuss the information gathered and make sure consultant, Pete Hardcastle has all the up to date info so an accurate comparison, including the WCTPT, can be completed.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Gone fishing

Roger, Phil, Tom, Dave and I will be in LA this week, then Houston the next week, working on all the contract proposals you have submitted. This is the first step in preparing for the upcoming negotiations for an amalgamated contract with United Airlines.


Eagle snatches Lake Padden fisherman's catch right off his line
Bruce Huntley was fishing on Lake Padden near Bellingham with buddy Rick Warren when the eagle swooped down and snatched the fish on his line just 10 feet in front of his boat.
Credit: Rick Warren

Monday, July 2, 2012

Mechanic's Dispatch

Seniority Integration Committee


On June 20th, the National Rank and File Seniority Integration Committee met in Newark to begin the work of integrating the three seniority lists. The committee was joined by Local rank and file committee members from several Locals as well as representatives from the International along with Mediator Ralph Berger and attorney Denis Duffey from the firm of Spivak Lipton. International Representative Clacy Griswold began the meeting with introductions. Mediator Berger then discussed an opinion letter from Spivak Lipton. It was Mr. Berger's opinion that since this was a merger of equals in the mechanics class and craft and that the consent decree from the sub United agreement would cover all members in the amalgamated agreement, then a date of hire seniority integration should occur for purposes of layoff and recall. Attorney Duffey, as coauthor of a legal opinion on the decree, explained the rationale used to come to the conclusion that the decree would apply to the combined list. Essentially, the new United will be a successor to Continental, CMI and the old United and the decree applies to successors.

Much discussion occurred among the committee on the consent decree and its effects on seniority as well as several questions regarding procedures to amend or remove the decree. IBT attorney Ed Gleason explained the reasons why it would be impractical to attempt to amend or remove the decree.

Each member of the national rank and file committee was given an opportunity to ask questions, share opinions, and suggest alternatives. Several issues were brought up including the disparity in premium seniorities, (i.e. inspectors and leads) as well as previous adjustments and how they were handled on each list and the need to work from lists that are accurate.

At the end of the meeting, Clacy gave the committee an overview of what would transpire process wise for the national committee. First, the committee will ensure the accuracy of the list and will meet via conference call in two weeks to discuss progress made. Then, the committee will meet with the national steering committee to report progress and findings.

In attendance for the National Rank and File Committee were: Jerry Davis (Local 19), Larry Bailey and Bill Horn (Local 210), Don Ramsey (Local 455), Steve Oggeri (Local 769), Scott Baroni (Local 781), Mark Gabriel (Local 856), Brad Himes (Local 964), Dion Cornelious, Moki Kim and Leigh Skilling (Local 986).
In attendance for the Local Rank and File Committee were: Mike Bergen, Bob Clever, Debra Hernandez and Craig Larson (Local 19), Paul Bacerra (Local 769) and Fred Wood (Local 986).
Representing the Airline Division were: Clacy Griswold, Paul Alves, Bob Fisher and IBT Legal Counsel Ed Gleason along with Mediator Ralph Berger and Denis Duffey, from the law firm of Spivak- Lipton.

Benefits Review Committee Report

The benefits review committee met on June 5th & 6th at IBT Headquarters in Washington DC. The committee was accompanied by Hemant Berry, a benefits specialist with the IBT Benefits department, and pension analyst Peter Hardcastle from Cheiron.

The committee worked on comparing and contrasting the medical benefits from both carriers to identify the differences in the plans, so the best of both plans can be identified. Different ideas where brought up on ways to control the premium costs, with further investigation into some wellness programs being needed.

On Wednesday, June 6th Peter Hardcastle gave a presentation to the committee that explained the differences as well as the pros and cons of the different types of pension plans; Defined Benefit (DB), single payer and multi-employer, Defined Contribution (DC), as well as 401(k)'s and hybrid type plans. The committee will be determining what pension plan would be the best choice to recommend to the members.

The committee reconvened in EWR on June 18th and 19th to continue working on opening proposals for Articles 10 and 11 as well as continuing discussions on what pension plan would serve the members best.

The committee began a side-by-side comparison of plans, as it relates to benefit issues of the two Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA’s) to identify the differences, similarities and changes that may be needed in each article. Although there is still much work to be done the committee has built a good foundation that they will continue to improve on.

On Tuesday June 19th, the day started with an update, via conference call, from the company on the “wellness plans” they are examining. Research will be done to see if this is a valid way to keep premiums lower. The committee also received its first side-by-side pension comparison presentation by Jim Holland from Cherion. Side-by-side comparisons have been requested on all the different types of pension plans being investigated. This first presentation showed a comparison of the Continental Airlines Retirement Plan (CARP) and the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust. The committee will update everyone as the different comparisons are completed and presented to them. After both presentations the committee continued its’ work on contract language proposals relating to benefits.

The committee will reconvene in SFO during the same week as the National System Negotiating Steering Committee meetings. While in SFO the committee will continue its’ research of the different plans and attend a presentation from the West Coast Pension Trust, to see if this plan should continue to be considered in any comparisons.

The committee’s ultimate goal is to explore all options and share that information along with a recommendation, to the National System Negotiating Steering Committee, on benefit language to be incorporated into an opening proposal in Joint Collective Bargaining. Updates will follow the July meetings.