The IAM Sets the Record Straight on the US Airways-America West Merger
Which union will represent workers at the new US Airways?
The IAM expects the National Mediation Board (NMB) to determine that US Airways and America West are a single transportation system. The Teamsters and Transport Workers Union (TWU) would then have an opportunity to make a 35% showing of interest of all the eligible employees of the combined carrier to force a representation election.However, because the number of workers the IAM represents at US Airways is so much greater than those represented by the Teamsters and TWU at America West, it’s most likely that the IAM will be automatically certified as the representative of the class and crafts of Mechanic & Related and Fleet Service employees of the newly merged carrier.
Will the IAM’s contracts stay in effect?
The status quo provisions of the Railway Labor Act provide that a collective bargaining agreement cannot be changed before the amendable date unless the parties mutually agree to open it. By law the IAM agreements will continue. The IAM is negotiating a transition agreement to bring America West employees under the IAM agreements.
What does “showing of interest†mean?
The NMB considers a “showing of interest†as signed authorization cards from 35% of the bargaining unit. In this case, the 35% showing of interest includes all eligible employees for each classification from America West and US Airways, including those on furlough status.
How is representation decided in such an election?
If there is an election, the union that receives votes from 50% plus 1 of all eligible employees wins the election and will be certified as the bargaining representative. This includes those on furlough status.If fewer than 50% plus 1 participates in the election, all union representation at both carriers will be lost and no union will be certified.
Is saying there is a danger of loss of union representation a scare tactic?
It’s not a scare tactic at, it is the NMB's rule. If 50% plus 1 of the eligible employees do not participate in an election then there will be no union on US Airways or America West.Frankly, some employees on furlough may not be as inclined to participate in a union election as active employees. They still count, however, in the statistical breakdown of eligible voters.Is the IAM overstating the danger of a loss of representation? It happened with the Stores Clerks on Alleghany and Piedmont. As a result of lack of participation they have no union and no contract.
How will the IAM decide seniority integration?
The IAM’s long-standing policy is that date of entry into the classification will govern seniority integration. The Teamster's initial position was a 3-1 seniority integration as stated by their representatives in CLT and PHL. This is absolutely unacceptable to the IAM and the employees we represent and will deprive US Airways employees of numerous job opportunities. The TWU eliminated seniority from IAM members when American Airlines purchased TWA. The IAM’s method is the only fair seniority integration option.
How do the IAM & Teamsters differ on outsourcing mechanics work?
The Teamsters claim they will retain all heavy maintenance under the IAM agreement and will bring in additional work. This is coming from a Union that failed to accomplish this on America West where the company is allowed to do heavy maintenance in El Salvador. In fact, US Airways management tried to use the America West, South American farmout privileges as a wedge against the mechanic and related classification in the most recent bankruptcy proceedings. Despite two bankruptcies at US Airways, the IAM scope language is still superior to America West.
Is the IAM taking a leadership position on merger issues?
The IAM has been in ongoing negotiations with US Airways for a transition agreement concerning all merger issues.
For more information about the merger, visit:
www.goiam.org/usairways
Which union will represent workers at the new US Airways?
The IAM expects the National Mediation Board (NMB) to determine that US Airways and America West are a single transportation system. The Teamsters and Transport Workers Union (TWU) would then have an opportunity to make a 35% showing of interest of all the eligible employees of the combined carrier to force a representation election.However, because the number of workers the IAM represents at US Airways is so much greater than those represented by the Teamsters and TWU at America West, it’s most likely that the IAM will be automatically certified as the representative of the class and crafts of Mechanic & Related and Fleet Service employees of the newly merged carrier.
Will the IAM’s contracts stay in effect?
The status quo provisions of the Railway Labor Act provide that a collective bargaining agreement cannot be changed before the amendable date unless the parties mutually agree to open it. By law the IAM agreements will continue. The IAM is negotiating a transition agreement to bring America West employees under the IAM agreements.
What does “showing of interest†mean?
The NMB considers a “showing of interest†as signed authorization cards from 35% of the bargaining unit. In this case, the 35% showing of interest includes all eligible employees for each classification from America West and US Airways, including those on furlough status.
How is representation decided in such an election?
If there is an election, the union that receives votes from 50% plus 1 of all eligible employees wins the election and will be certified as the bargaining representative. This includes those on furlough status.If fewer than 50% plus 1 participates in the election, all union representation at both carriers will be lost and no union will be certified.
Is saying there is a danger of loss of union representation a scare tactic?
It’s not a scare tactic at, it is the NMB's rule. If 50% plus 1 of the eligible employees do not participate in an election then there will be no union on US Airways or America West.Frankly, some employees on furlough may not be as inclined to participate in a union election as active employees. They still count, however, in the statistical breakdown of eligible voters.Is the IAM overstating the danger of a loss of representation? It happened with the Stores Clerks on Alleghany and Piedmont. As a result of lack of participation they have no union and no contract.
How will the IAM decide seniority integration?
The IAM’s long-standing policy is that date of entry into the classification will govern seniority integration. The Teamster's initial position was a 3-1 seniority integration as stated by their representatives in CLT and PHL. This is absolutely unacceptable to the IAM and the employees we represent and will deprive US Airways employees of numerous job opportunities. The TWU eliminated seniority from IAM members when American Airlines purchased TWA. The IAM’s method is the only fair seniority integration option.
How do the IAM & Teamsters differ on outsourcing mechanics work?
The Teamsters claim they will retain all heavy maintenance under the IAM agreement and will bring in additional work. This is coming from a Union that failed to accomplish this on America West where the company is allowed to do heavy maintenance in El Salvador. In fact, US Airways management tried to use the America West, South American farmout privileges as a wedge against the mechanic and related classification in the most recent bankruptcy proceedings. Despite two bankruptcies at US Airways, the IAM scope language is still superior to America West.
Is the IAM taking a leadership position on merger issues?
The IAM has been in ongoing negotiations with US Airways for a transition agreement concerning all merger issues.
For more information about the merger, visit:
www.goiam.org/usairways
