Preparations for Next Round of Negotiations Begin
In preparation for the re-engagement of negotiations, the union bargaining committee convened at Local 19’s union hall in Houston this week to discuss strategy as we prepare to meet with United Airlines in negotiations on October 7th.
Among the topics of discussion, the negotiators received a briefing from Attorney Ed Gleason on Scope and open Article One items. Additionally, the committee was also given a presentation by Ms. Gaelle Gravot, an actuary from Cheiron, on benefit issues. She also discussed the unilateral changes to our medical benefits by United as well as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how it affects our current and future medical plans as well as a strategy for negotiating a comprehensive benefits package for our members.
Other items on the agenda included discussions on grievance activity for scope violations regarding the APU teams on the ramp side and how they affect our negotiating strategy, COLA, and issues surrounding United’s wish to implement the use of the Utility Specialist Classification in our ranks; especially in the Facilities Maintenance and GSE classifications. We were also briefed by Local 210 Business Agent Ralph Salzano on the current status of proposals made previously to the carrier and given a comprehensive, article by article, overview of items that have been agreed to in principal, and open items in each article that require resolution during the coming round of talks.
The Negotiations Team will convene on October 7th in Phoenix, Arizona for our first face to face discussions with United since early June. We will resume negotiations on that date using traditional bargaining methods as opposed to the expedited process that was used earlier this year.
The Committee wishes to extend our gratitude to Local 19 Principal Officer Bob Clever as well as the Officers and staff for their hospitality and the use of their facilities for our meetings over the past week.
Scope Committee Scheduled to Meet
Representatives from both sUA and sCO are scheduled to meet October 10th through 17th in IAH. A report of the meeting will be released to the membership shortly afterwards.
Representatives from both sUA and sCO are scheduled to meet October 10th through 17th in IAH. A report of the meeting will be released to the membership shortly afterwards.
APU Burn Team Grievance
In preparation for an expected arbitration case regarding the APU Burn Team a fill in form has been created. This form will collect relevant data in regards to ramp/fleet service personnel performing the work of mechanics in violation of the scope of the agreement. Here is a link to the form:
