LABORNEWS INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTSAND AEROSPACE WORKERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Machinists Union Prevents US Airways
From Subcontracting Maintenance
Washington D.C., October 21, 2003 - The Honorable Robert Cindrich of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania today issued the injunction sought by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) to prevent US Airways from subcontracting heavy maintenance of the airline’s Airbus aircraft. Judge Cindrich agreed with the IAM’s assertion that US Airways’ attempt to subcontract the maintenance work created a major dispute under the Railway Labor Act.
“A well negotiated contract and the professionalism, support and unity of our US Airways members made today’s decision possible,†said International President R. Thomas Buffenbarger. “International, District and Local Lodge officers worked as a team to protect our members and preserve their contract.â€
“The court recognized the harm US Airways’ actions would have inflicted on our membership,†said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. “While these were the same tactics used by notorious airline destroyer Frank Lorenzo, the IAM was confident that we would prevail. We had a strong case backed by 54 years of history and only wanted the opportunity to present our case before the court. Our contract language is clear and unambiguous.â€
Today’s order prohibits US Airways from subcontracting Airbus heavy maintenance. Maintenance is currently being performed on two US Airways Airbus aircraft at Singapore Technologies Mobile Aerospace Engineering (MAE) in Mobile, AL. Maintenance of these aircraft by MAE must cease immediately, and the IAM will ask the court to award damages to members affected by US Airways’ major violation of the status quo provisions of the Railway Labor Act.
“US Airways’ ill-advised attempt to violate our collective bargaining agreement did nothing but aggravate an already tense worker-management relationship,†said Roach. “But with the support of the other AFL-CIO transportation unions, this day belongs to airline workers. The airline would be well served to stop alienating its employees and begin mending relations.â€
IAM District 141-M represents 5,000 Mechanic & Related employees at US Airways. IAM District 141 represents the airline’s 4,450 Fleet Service Employees. More information about the Machinists Union can be found on our web site at www.goiam.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Machinists Union Prevents US Airways
From Subcontracting Maintenance
Washington D.C., October 21, 2003 - The Honorable Robert Cindrich of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania today issued the injunction sought by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) to prevent US Airways from subcontracting heavy maintenance of the airline’s Airbus aircraft. Judge Cindrich agreed with the IAM’s assertion that US Airways’ attempt to subcontract the maintenance work created a major dispute under the Railway Labor Act.
“A well negotiated contract and the professionalism, support and unity of our US Airways members made today’s decision possible,†said International President R. Thomas Buffenbarger. “International, District and Local Lodge officers worked as a team to protect our members and preserve their contract.â€
“The court recognized the harm US Airways’ actions would have inflicted on our membership,†said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. “While these were the same tactics used by notorious airline destroyer Frank Lorenzo, the IAM was confident that we would prevail. We had a strong case backed by 54 years of history and only wanted the opportunity to present our case before the court. Our contract language is clear and unambiguous.â€
Today’s order prohibits US Airways from subcontracting Airbus heavy maintenance. Maintenance is currently being performed on two US Airways Airbus aircraft at Singapore Technologies Mobile Aerospace Engineering (MAE) in Mobile, AL. Maintenance of these aircraft by MAE must cease immediately, and the IAM will ask the court to award damages to members affected by US Airways’ major violation of the status quo provisions of the Railway Labor Act.
“US Airways’ ill-advised attempt to violate our collective bargaining agreement did nothing but aggravate an already tense worker-management relationship,†said Roach. “But with the support of the other AFL-CIO transportation unions, this day belongs to airline workers. The airline would be well served to stop alienating its employees and begin mending relations.â€
IAM District 141-M represents 5,000 Mechanic & Related employees at US Airways. IAM District 141 represents the airline’s 4,450 Fleet Service Employees. More information about the Machinists Union can be found on our web site at www.goiam.org.
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Amen!!
