In the present case, both NWA and AMFA negotiated under the auspices of the NMB per the requirements of the RLA from October 2004 through August 19,2005, the end of the cooling off period identified by the NMB. At issue was the entire contract, including work rules, wage reductions, pensions and medical benefits, and the outsourcing of all regularly line maintenance commitments, work done by the mechanics outside of its main hubs of Detroit, Memphis and Minneapolis.
By its letter of July 5, 2005, AMFA petitioned the NMB for release from further negotiations with NWA, NWA joined in the request, and same was granted to the parties, as the NMB determined that the parties had reached an impasse and further negotiations under its auspices was futile.
Thus, the parties were released to non-violent self-help effective 12:01am August 20, 2005; however, neither NWA nor AMFA was required to do so.
Testimony from NWA’s senior Labor Council reveals that on August 18, 2005, NWA advised AMFA that effective August 20, 2005, it is imposing the new terms and conditions of the contract and any employee wanting to maintain/return to employment effective said date was obligated to do so unconditionally under such new terms and conditions.
On August 19, 2005, AMFA’s National Director announced it chose to strike effective 12:01 am on August 20, 2005. Based upon NWA’s announcement of August 18, 2005, it would be futile for AMFA to make an offer to return to work under the terms and conditions of the old contract. Therefore, NWA changed the status quo, a lock out exists.
Take the above for what its worth.....
The state in which I work takes messing with your pay and bennies very seriously. You have a certain right to tell them where to stick it when they try to impose reductions on you.
for all intence and purposes I was locked out. :disguise: