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
