- Banned
- #1
September 26, 2005
Dear US Airways Sisters and Brothers,
On September 16, 2005, US Airways’ Plan of Reorganization was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. This was the last major hurdle to the airline exiting bankruptcy and completing its merger with America West Airlines.
Integrating workforces and merging the two carriers’ operations, however, will continue for some time. It is important for IAM members to understand the forthcoming integration process and what to expect.
The Machinists Union and US Airways have already begun negotiating a transition agreement. Upon US Airways’ emergence from bankruptcy the IAM will file a petition with the National Mediation Board for a ruling that the two carriers are operating as a single transportation system. Once that happens, the IAM will be certified as the representative of both the Mechanic & Related and Fleet Service workforce on the merged carrier. This will pave the way for integrating the employees of both airlines under the current IAM agreements.
It is the position of the Machinists Union that employee groups should be merged based on the individual’s date of entry into a particular classification at their respective carriers. In our opinion, this recognizes the seniority of employees at both airlines and is the only fair way for everyone involved. This is how seniority integration was handled at PSA Airlines and Piedmont Airlines.
As the surviving carrier, US Airways’ agreements will prevail regardless of the designated representative. However, if another labor organization interferes with the process, the integration may not go smoothly. US Airways employees, as they are generally more senior to their AWA counterparts, may risk a loss of seniority under another union's integration policy.
If a representation election is called and less than 50 percent +1 of the combined workforce, including furloughed employees, fails to vote, there will be no union, no contract and US Airways will have the unrestricted ability to impose any wages, benefits and employment terms it wants, including elimination of seniority provisions.
IAM members have nothing to gain with an election, but there is much to lose.
To help keep employees of both carriers informed throughout the transition process, the Machinists Union has dedicated a page on our website for the latest US Airways-America West merger information, www.goiam.org/usairways.
As this process moves forward, you can be assured that the Machinists Union will always protect the best interests of the membership.
Sincerely and fraternally,
William O'Driscoll
PRESIDENT-DIRECTING
GENERAL CHAIRMAN
DISTRICT LODGE #142
Randy Canale
PRESIDENT-DIRECTING
GENERAL CHAIRMAN
DISTRICT LODGE #141
Dear US Airways Sisters and Brothers,
On September 16, 2005, US Airways’ Plan of Reorganization was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. This was the last major hurdle to the airline exiting bankruptcy and completing its merger with America West Airlines.
Integrating workforces and merging the two carriers’ operations, however, will continue for some time. It is important for IAM members to understand the forthcoming integration process and what to expect.
The Machinists Union and US Airways have already begun negotiating a transition agreement. Upon US Airways’ emergence from bankruptcy the IAM will file a petition with the National Mediation Board for a ruling that the two carriers are operating as a single transportation system. Once that happens, the IAM will be certified as the representative of both the Mechanic & Related and Fleet Service workforce on the merged carrier. This will pave the way for integrating the employees of both airlines under the current IAM agreements.
It is the position of the Machinists Union that employee groups should be merged based on the individual’s date of entry into a particular classification at their respective carriers. In our opinion, this recognizes the seniority of employees at both airlines and is the only fair way for everyone involved. This is how seniority integration was handled at PSA Airlines and Piedmont Airlines.
As the surviving carrier, US Airways’ agreements will prevail regardless of the designated representative. However, if another labor organization interferes with the process, the integration may not go smoothly. US Airways employees, as they are generally more senior to their AWA counterparts, may risk a loss of seniority under another union's integration policy.
If a representation election is called and less than 50 percent +1 of the combined workforce, including furloughed employees, fails to vote, there will be no union, no contract and US Airways will have the unrestricted ability to impose any wages, benefits and employment terms it wants, including elimination of seniority provisions.
IAM members have nothing to gain with an election, but there is much to lose.
To help keep employees of both carriers informed throughout the transition process, the Machinists Union has dedicated a page on our website for the latest US Airways-America West merger information, www.goiam.org/usairways.
As this process moves forward, you can be assured that the Machinists Union will always protect the best interests of the membership.
Sincerely and fraternally,
William O'Driscoll
PRESIDENT-DIRECTING
GENERAL CHAIRMAN
DISTRICT LODGE #142
Randy Canale
PRESIDENT-DIRECTING
GENERAL CHAIRMAN
DISTRICT LODGE #141
