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Union remains in talks with AA PDF Print E-mail
Written by James Colbert   
Tuesday, 09 March 2010 16:47

 

Robert Gless, an assistant air transport director and American Airlines' system coordinator for the TWU, declined to comment on Puchala's request that the union delay asking for a 30-day cooling-off period under the Railway Labor Act. 

 

American Airlines' mechanics union has delayed a request to the National Mediation Board to be released from contract mediation to a 30-day "cooling-off" period that could lead to a strike against the company, union officials said Monday. 

 

Frustrated with the pace of contract negotiations that began in November 2007, members of the Transport Workers Union were prepared to ask the board Monday for release from federal mediation. 

 

But Linda Puchala, a member of the mediation board, asked the union's negotiators in Washington, D.C., to hold off filing for release from mediation until at least Thursday, union executives said. 

 

Puchala could not be reached for comment. 

"The membership is both concerned and frustrated," Gless said. "While we did what we needed to do in 2003 to bring the company to stability, members are wanting to be brought back to the wages and benefits that will bring them some stability." 

 

Both the TWU and American's Association of Professional Flight Attendants want to be released from mediation to the cooling-off period after weeks of unproductive negotiations, union officials said. 

 

Although tentative agreements have been reached between American and TWU negotiators on 31 contract items, 16 contract items, including wages and benefits, remain unresolved. The company and union positions on wages and benefits remain far apart, TWU executives said. 

 

American's spokeswoman Missy Latham couldn't be reached for comment. 

 

In 2003, the TWU, APFA and the Allied Pilots Association agreed to wage and benefit concessions of $1.62 billion a year to keep American from filing for bankruptcy. 

 

Having taken pay and benefit cuts of up to 30 percent since 2003, union members say they want wages and benefits restored — and more. 

 

Executives at American's parent, AMR Corp., which has lost $3.6 billion over the last two years, said the company must hold the line on expenses to remain competitive. 
 
APFA Requests Release, Statement by ATD Director Conley PDF Print E-mail
Written by James Colbert   
Thursday, 04 March 2010 18:31

Speaking for all 28,000 TWU members employed by AMR, we’re very disappointed that the flight attendants union was not able to reach an agreement with American Airlines. It now appears that APFA will seek release from mediation. We know where they’re coming from. It has become increasingly clear that management at American Airlines is not committed to reaching an agreement with the airlines’ workers and AMR’s unions must take additional steps to secure a new agreement.

Just sitting at the bargaining table is not negotiating. The flight attendants, like AMR’s ground workers, require a contract that is “ratifiable.” Our members who kept this company aloft by taking thirty percent wage cuts and making other sacrifices will not accept pennies for their labors, nor will they just grin and bear it when management is taking seven-figure bonuses.

American Airlines is gaining anti-trust immunity in the Atlantic and strengthening the Oneworld alliance in the Pacific, it’s stock is up 30 percent in February alone. If management would only address its labor issues it would fly even higher.

AMR’s executives are simply not recognizing the enormous contributions made by our members. Over the past four years we have utilized a facilitated approach, direct negotiations, mediation, super meditation and recess sessions, all to no avail. Releasing the parties is the natural order of progression and called for under the Railway Labor Act. TWU will be making an announcement about next steps in the bargaining process for ground workers next week.
Fraternally,
 John Conley.
Last Updated on Thursday, 04 March 2010 18:33
 
MDAD 3094/3095 Parking Garage LVL 6-7 Turnover. PDF Print E-mail
Written by James Colbert   
Saturday, 27 February 2010 12:52

Brother and Sisters, Those of you that park at the hangar parking garage. I am notifying you that Level 6 & 7 will be open Saturday afternoon and that we are requesting that vehicles not park on Levels 4 or 5 starting Monday morning. Also any vehicles parked long term on Levels 4 and 5 will need to be moved ASAP. This is so the the construction company can begin working in this area.
Last Updated on Saturday, 27 February 2010 13:09
 
ATD & Wounded Warrior Project PDF Print E-mail
Written by TWU Admin   
Tuesday, 02 March 2010 02:30

Wounded Warrior Project began when several individuals took small, inspired actions to help others in need.  One night while watching the evening news, a group of veterans and brothers were moved by the difficult stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq. They realized then and there that something needed to be done for these brave individuals beyond the brass bands and ticker tape parades.  The resulting objective was to provide tangible support for the severely wounded and help them on the road to healing, both physically and mentally. What had been initially viewed as a small contribution (compared with what the warriors had sacrificed while serving our country) has become WWP's signature programs.


ATD Veterans Cover Letter   -   TWU WRMC Flier Final Revision
Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 March 2010 02:46
 
Mediation Update PDF Print E-mail
Written by James Colbert   
Saturday, 27 February 2010 00:55

American Airlines said Thursday it has made comprehensive contract proposals this week to two negotiating committees of the Transport Workers Union, representing stock clerks and technical specialists.

The TWU's take on technical specialist talks: "The Union and the company remain deadlocked over the most significant issues: Pay, Vacation, Holidays, Sick Leave, etc. No breakthroughs took place nor are any expected to take place in the near or foreseeable future."

The TWU's take on stores negotiations: "After reviewing the latest Company Proposal, the Stores Negotiating Committee unanimously rejected American Airlines latest offer and restated our current table position as a formal response."

We take note that the National Mediation Board mediator has canceled talks between American and negotiators for TWU mechanics and related employees. Those sessions were scheduled for March 1-5.

Fraternally,

 

James Colbert

Recording Secretary

TWU Local 561

MIA-TPA-FLL

(954)558-6701
 
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