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- Feb 18, 2006
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US Airways Stalls Negotiations and Change in Control Resolution
TO: All IAM Members Employed by US Airways
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
On April 27, 2007, the Machinists Union won a major court victory when Judge Lee of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia granted the IAM’s motion to compel US Airways to arbitrate the Change in Control grievance. As previously reported, the case is scheduled to be heard before a neutral arbitrator on September 13th and 14th in Phoenix, Arizona. US Airways CEO Doug Parker has said publicly that he will not interfere with the arbitration. But, that doesn’t mean he won’t run back to court if he doesn’t like the outcome.
Last week, US Airways appealed the District Court’s ruling signaling that it intends to pursue its arguments against the grievance in court should the Arbitrator rule in favor of the IAM. This further delay tactic could add an indeterminate amount of time to the final resolution of the dispute.
It is imperative the membership understands that even if the IAM wins the arbitration case, US Airways could prolong the legal process. The Machinists Union finds US Airways’ disregard for the legally-required arbitration procedure appalling and their contempt for employees unforgivable. We are committed to enforcing the language US Airways imposed on us through the bankruptcy process before an arbitrator or, if necessary, in court.
US Airways’ abuse of the established process is not limited to grievances; transition negotiations are also stalled. The Machinists Union today filed requests with the National Mediation Board (NMB) to mediate the negotiations in the hope of reaching a swift agreement that addresses our members’ concerns regarding wages, seniority integration, job security, retirement benefits and other quality of life issues. The requests cover both Districts 141 and 142 and all IAM members, regardless of the contract they work under.
The assistance of the NMB alone does not guarantee we will be able to reach an agreement with US Airways. However, it is a necessary step in the negotiating process when dealing with unreasonable management. The NMB must participate in negotiations to determine for themselves that further bargaining would be futile. At that point the NMB must release both parties into a 30-day cooling-off period, at the end of which IAM members can strike US Airways.
If we are forced to strike US Airways it will be because current management has failed to fulfill their obligations to their employees, our members.
The Machinists Union represents 9,000 Mechanics, Inspectors, Fleet Service Workers, Maintenance Control Technicians, Stock Clerks, Quality Assurance Auditors, Technical Documentation Specialists, Planners, Utility Workers, Maintenance Training Specialists, and Technical Documentation Specialists. If US Airways compels us to strike, all airline operations will cease.
The mediation process can be lengthy, so members have ample time to prepare for a strike. Although the IAM is committed to quickly reaching a fair and equitable agreement, US Airways’ disdain for employees has compelled us to consider a strike. The Machinists Union will be well prepared if that day comes.
____________________________
Regards,
G.R.
TO: All IAM Members Employed by US Airways
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
On April 27, 2007, the Machinists Union won a major court victory when Judge Lee of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia granted the IAM’s motion to compel US Airways to arbitrate the Change in Control grievance. As previously reported, the case is scheduled to be heard before a neutral arbitrator on September 13th and 14th in Phoenix, Arizona. US Airways CEO Doug Parker has said publicly that he will not interfere with the arbitration. But, that doesn’t mean he won’t run back to court if he doesn’t like the outcome.
Last week, US Airways appealed the District Court’s ruling signaling that it intends to pursue its arguments against the grievance in court should the Arbitrator rule in favor of the IAM. This further delay tactic could add an indeterminate amount of time to the final resolution of the dispute.
It is imperative the membership understands that even if the IAM wins the arbitration case, US Airways could prolong the legal process. The Machinists Union finds US Airways’ disregard for the legally-required arbitration procedure appalling and their contempt for employees unforgivable. We are committed to enforcing the language US Airways imposed on us through the bankruptcy process before an arbitrator or, if necessary, in court.
US Airways’ abuse of the established process is not limited to grievances; transition negotiations are also stalled. The Machinists Union today filed requests with the National Mediation Board (NMB) to mediate the negotiations in the hope of reaching a swift agreement that addresses our members’ concerns regarding wages, seniority integration, job security, retirement benefits and other quality of life issues. The requests cover both Districts 141 and 142 and all IAM members, regardless of the contract they work under.
The assistance of the NMB alone does not guarantee we will be able to reach an agreement with US Airways. However, it is a necessary step in the negotiating process when dealing with unreasonable management. The NMB must participate in negotiations to determine for themselves that further bargaining would be futile. At that point the NMB must release both parties into a 30-day cooling-off period, at the end of which IAM members can strike US Airways.
If we are forced to strike US Airways it will be because current management has failed to fulfill their obligations to their employees, our members.
The Machinists Union represents 9,000 Mechanics, Inspectors, Fleet Service Workers, Maintenance Control Technicians, Stock Clerks, Quality Assurance Auditors, Technical Documentation Specialists, Planners, Utility Workers, Maintenance Training Specialists, and Technical Documentation Specialists. If US Airways compels us to strike, all airline operations will cease.
The mediation process can be lengthy, so members have ample time to prepare for a strike. Although the IAM is committed to quickly reaching a fair and equitable agreement, US Airways’ disdain for employees has compelled us to consider a strike. The Machinists Union will be well prepared if that day comes.
____________________________
Regards,
G.R.
