Checking it Out said:
American Airlines Update – March 5, 2004
The AMFA staff has completed an audit of the authorization card electronic database against the actual authorization cards, and we were very pleased with the results. Only 31 cards were removed due to questionable signature dates or expired and unreadable authorizations. (Note: The negative comment- implies lack of necessary cards and shows a hint of disappointment) We can thank our American supporters for their attention to detail during the card drive. The Association fully expects to file for a representational dispute/election within the next two weeks. (Note; Wording is similar to the wording from the last letter dated: Feb. 4th 2004)
Once we file for a representational dispute with the National Mediation Board (NMB), the Board will notify the Company to supply a voter eligibility list and signature samples to the Board. In accordance with NMB rules, once they receive the list and signature samples from the Company the Board will not accept any further authorizations. (Note; Scare tactic? run, Run, RUN!!!!!)
In most cases the Association would be able to submit additional authorizations for a period of up to two weeks after the filing date. However, we expect that American Airlines is already poised to submit the voter eligibility list and signature samples once they are notified that we filed, which will cut off acceptance of further authorizations. (Note; An excuse- A way out- Lack of substance- scare tactic)
Anyone who has an authorization card that they want included in this filing, must send it in immediately. (note; A sure sign, lack of cards!)
Sincerely,
Terry Harvey
Assistant National Director
Here is paragraph from the last letter dated Feb. 4th 2004;
I can tell you that at this point in time the authorization drive is still several hundred cards short of reaching its goal. If we do not collect more authorization cards during the month of February, we will miss our filing window. This does not mean that we will not file; it just means that if we do not achieve the 60% signed level a filing in March will not be possible. (Terry Harvey) (Note; Is Amfa holding out to get 60%? With the additional cards thrown away Amfa is shorter and keeps getting farther and farther away!!)
It's obvious, the lack of enthusiasm is a sure sign of the frustration! With extending the date and asking for additional cards it's quit obvious they are lacking. The test is here! Who will overcome? Will it be the international or the organizers? I will hedge towards the TWU members they will be the ones who will ultimately benefit from the internal struggles that is evident within Amfa!
Time will tell! It is pretty bad when Amfa spams their own thread! This is without a doubt a sure sign of despiration!!!!! hopeful and superside!
Have a Great TWU DAY!!!!!!!!
March 31, 2003
James C. Little
Administrative Vice President, Air Transport Division
Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO
1791 Hurstview Dr.
Hurst, Texas 76054
Re: Summary of the 2003 Contract changes
This will confirm our understanding reached during the negotiations leading up to the agreement signed on (DOS), 2003. During these negotiations, we discussed many changes intended to achieve sustained long-term financial relief from the current provisions of the TWU labor agreements. This letter is intended to recap the majority of the agreed upon changes. Changes are listed by Title groups: I (Mechanics and Related), II (Facilities, Automotive, Cabin Cleaners, Utility and Building Cleaners), III (Fleet Service), IV (Fuelers), V (Stock Clerks), T/S (Technical Specials), Disp (Dispatch), Metro (Meteorologists), Sim Techs (Simulator Technicians) and Instrs (Ground School and Pilot Instructors).
Pay Related
Effective May 1, 2003:
§ Base wage pay reduction, varying percentages (all groups)
§ Elimination of all longevity pay(I & II)
§ Modified longevity pay, start after 17 years, current rates (III, IV, V,T/S)
§ Reduced Sim Tech Coordinator premium by $.75/hour
§ Reduced Sim Tech Skill pay to $.10/hour
§ Reduced Pilot Simulator Instructors premium to $10.00/month
§ Reduced Ground School/Pilot Simulator Instructors standardization coordinator pay to $150.00/month
§ Reduced Pilot/Simulator Instructors work unit experience premium
§ Modified shift differential to $.01, $.02, $.03 (I, II, III, V, T/S, Sim Techs)
§ Elimination of weekend differential (I, II, V, at AFW, TUL, MCI)
§ Elimination of midnight skill retention premium (Sim Techs)
§ Training pay at straight time for off shift and day off (I, II)
§ Elimination of penalty lunch payment (I, II, III, IV, V)
§ Elimination of OT meal allowance (I, II, III, IV, V, T/S)
§ Penalty hours pay for actual time worked @ 1.5x (I, II, III, IV, V, T/S)
§ Reduce OT rate from 2x to 1.5x (I, II, III, IV, V)
§ Work 40 hrs to reach OT rate for day off overtime (III, V)
§ Elimination of debrief pay (T/S)
§ Elimination of Stock Clerk driver premium
§ Elimination of AMT premiums when displacing OSM employee
§ Elimination of Early Call-In guarantees (I, II, III, IV)
§ Elimination of short turn penalty due to shift bids (Art 21 d) (III, IV)
§ Elimination of CC premium when not working as CC (III,V)
Work Rules/ Other changes and effective dates:
Effective April 15, 2003:
§ Combine Systems/Structures into Generals (Title I)
§ Added 7 day labor loan provision (Bases only)
§ Increased AMT productivity through multiple work assignments/training
§ Holidays reduced from 10 to 5. The five (5) observed holidays will be: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day (all groups)
o Holidays- 5 days with roll @ 1.5x (I, II, III, IV, V, T/S, Sim Techs)
o Holidays- 5 days (no roll) @ 1.5x (Disp, Metro, Instrs)
Effective May 1, 2003
§ Reduce annual SK accrual to 5 days @ 100% (all except I & II)
§ Reduce annual SK accrual to 5 days, 1st two at 50% (I & II)
Effective May 3, 2003
§ 4/10s at Overhaul docks/TUL, duration of agreement
Effective within sixty (60) days of ratification:
§ Outsource RON/Ultraclean (II/III)
§ One time System protection credit for headcount reductions realized from work rule changes (all groups except Metro)
Effective thirty (30) days from ratification:
§ Reduce uniform provisioning and eliminate laundering (I, II, III, IV, V)
§ Outsource stores function at HDQ (6 Stock Clerks)
§ Relocate 4 Stock Clerks at ORD/GEM to ORD/M & E hanger
Effective as soon as practicable after DOS:
§ Change work schedule to 5 on, 2 off (T/S)
§ Reduced VC accrual one week (all groups)
§ Modify Crew Chief ratios:
AMT- 1:11.5
FSC- 1:9
Fuelers- eliminated ratio
Stores- 1:12
Benefits:
§ Medical & Dental plan modifications (all groups) Effective 1/1/04
§ SLOA Benefit Coverage reduced from 24 to12 months (all groups)
Effective 5/01/03
§ Eliminate STD Plan (all groups) Effective 1/1/04
§ Discontinue subsidized medical benefits RIF’d employees (all groups)
Effective 4/15/03
§ Modify IOD to 10 days (all groups) Effective 5/01/03 with the following transition:
o If the injury was incurred prior to 4/15/03, remaining applicable salary continuation through the end of the month up to the current 80 days
o If the injury is incurred on 4/15/03 or before 4/30/03, salary continuation for 10 days up to the current 80 days
o If the injury is incurred after 5/01/03, salary continuation for 10 days
Sincerely,
James B. Weel
Managing Director
Employee Relations
Agreed to this date:
________________________________
James C Little
Transport Workers Union, AFL-CIO