American Airlines Union Members Launch Pre-Negotiation Surveys

American Airlines Union Members Launch Pre-Negotiation Surveys

Apr 3, 2024 | American, Featured, Featured News, Front Page, Recent News, Row 2, The Association

American Airlines Union Members Launch Pre-Negotiation Surveys

American Airlines Union Members Launch Pre-Negotiation Surveys

IAM141.org
3 April 2024

Union members at American Airlines, including thousands of workers in the Fleet Service workgroup, are gearing up to start contract negotiations in the upcoming months, according to a joint statement released on April 1 by the Transport Workers Union and the Machinists Union.

Front-line union members of the Fleet Service workers at American Airlines are taking the lead in kicking off the new round of negotiations, set to begin in September of this year. They are sharing their main issues and concerns through surveys conducted by the two unions. These surveys are available to front-line union members starting April 1 and will run through April 19.

According to a joint statement released to union members this morning, “The feedback we get from these surveys will be vital to your Negotiating Committee as we prepare to begin talks with American Airlines.”

Fleet Service Workers at American are represented by two separate unions, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and the Machinists Union (IAM). This partnership was forged in 2013 following the merger between American Airlines, and US Airways. Together the two unions represent about 30,000 workers from various workgroups at American.

The current contract was drafted after four years of bargaining at the airline. The TWU-IAM Association announced in January 2020 that they had reached Agreements in Principle with American Airlines for five new Joint Collective Bargaining Agreements (JCBAs) worth $4.2 billion. Fleet Service workers won top-of-industry wage increases, profit-sharing payments, and critical quality-of-life improvements. Importantly, union members also negotiated bullet-proof job protections, which other airlines have been required to match in order to stay competitive in the tightening airline job market.

Airlines are covered under the Railway Labor Act, which covers transportation-related industries. Under the Act, agreements between airlines and unions do not expire. Instead, they reach an “amendable date,” after which they can be updated. At airlines, this process can be lengthy and often takes several years to complete. The four years it took for American Airlines to agree to the current contract was similar in terms of timeframe to other airline contracts. Pilots at United Airlines, for example, also took a little over four years to reach an agreement with that airline.

Union Members Can Take the Survey Here

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American Airlines Union Members Launch Pre-Negotiation Surveys

3 April 2024

Union members at American Airlines, including thousands of workers in the Fleet Service workgroup, are gearing up to start contract negotiations in the upcoming months, according to a joint statement released on April 1 by the Transport Workers Union and the Machinists Union.

Front-line union members of the Fleet Service workers at American Airlines are taking the lead in kicking off the new round of negotiations, set to begin in September of this year. They are sharing their main issues and concerns through surveys conducted by the two unions. These surveys are available to front-line union members starting April 1 and will run through April 19.

According to a joint statement released to union members this morning, “The feedback we get from these surveys will be vital to your Negotiating Committee as we prepare to begin talks with American Airlines.”

Fleet Service Workers at American are represented by two separate unions, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and the Machinists Union (IAM). This partnership was forged in 2013 following the merger between American Airlines, and US Airways. Together the two unions represent about 30,000 workers from various workgroups at American.

The current contract was drafted after four years of bargaining at the airline. The TWU-IAM Association announced in January 2020 that they had reached Agreements in Principle with American Airlines for five new Joint Collective Bargaining Agreements (JCBAs) worth $4.2 billion. Fleet Service workers won top-of-industry wage increases, profit-sharing payments, and critical quality-of-life improvements. Importantly, union members also negotiated bullet-proof job protections, which other airlines have been required to match in order to stay competitive in the tightening airline job market.

Airlines are covered under the Railway Labor Act, which covers transportation-related industries. Under the Act, agreements between airlines and unions do not expire. Instead, they reach an “amendable date,” after which they can be updated. At airlines, this process can be lengthy and often takes several years to complete. The four years it took for American Airlines to agree to the current contract was similar in terms of timeframe to other airline contracts. Pilots at United Airlines, for example, also took a little over four years to reach an agreement with that airline.

 

Union Members Can Take the Survey Here

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Pre-Negotiation Surveys at American Airlines are Now Open

Pre-Negotiation Surveys at American Airlines are Now Open

Apr 1, 2024 | American, Front Page, Row 2, The Association

To all Fleet Service Association Members employed at American Airlines:

We are contractually permitted to begin Section 6 Negotiations with American Airlines in September of this year. In preparation for those negotiations, we will be surveying all Association Members at American. 

This survey will begin immediately and run through April 19. 

The feedback we get from these surveys will be vital to your Negotiating Committee as we prepare to begin talks with American Airlines. We strongly urge you to take the survey as soon as possible to ensure your voice is heard loud and clear. By participating, you’re not just sharing your views; you’re actively contributing to the strength and direction of our negotiations.

You can take the survey right now using the link below. 

Most members will complete this comprehensive survey within about ten minutes. Your negotiators will carefully study each entry and carry your priorities into the upcoming negotiations. 

Again, your voice is critical to this process. Thank you for your dedication and participation.

In Solidarity,

 

 Greg Cosey
International Representative
Transport Workers Union

 

 TWU Negotiators
Jennifer Platt
Kevin Sullivan
Tim Hughes
Juan Elvira
Brian Oyer
Mike Szwed

 

Michael G Klemm
President and Directing General Chair,
District 141
International Association of  Machinists and Aerospace Workers

 

IAM Negotiators
Mark Baskett
Pat Rezler
William Wilson
Rodney Walker
Todd Peck
Mark Romonowski

Please Print and Post on all Union Bulletin Boards

Get Printable Copy

To all Fleet Service Association Members employed at American Airlines:

We are contractually permitted to begin Section 6 Negotiations with American Airlines in September of this year. In preparation for those negotiations, we will be surveying all Association Members at American. 

This survey will begin immediately and run through April 19. 

The feedback we get from these surveys will be vital to your Negotiating Committee as we prepare to begin talks with American Airlines. We strongly urge you to take the survey as soon as possible to ensure your voice is heard loud and clear. By participating, you’re not just sharing your views; you’re actively contributing to the strength and direction of our negotiations.

You can take the survey right now using the link below. 

Most members will complete this comprehensive survey within about ten minutes. Your negotiators will carefully study each entry and carry your priorities into the upcoming negotiations. 

Again, your voice is critical to this process. Thank you for your dedication and participation.

In Solidarity,

 

 Greg Cosey
International Representative
Transport Workers Union

 

 TWU Negotiators
Jennifer Platt
Kevin Sullivan
Tim Hughes
Juan Elvira
Brian Oyer
Mike Szwed

 

Michael G Klemm
President and Directing General Chair,
District 141
International Association of  Machinists and Aerospace Workers

 

IAM Negotiators
Mark Baskett
Pat Rezler
William Wilson
Rodney Walker
Todd Peck
Mark Romonowski

Please Print and Post on all Union Bulletin Boards

Get Printable Copy

Machinist Union Members at United Begin Preparations for New Contract Talks

Machinist Union Members at United Begin Preparations for New Contract Talks

Mar 15, 2024 | Featured News, Front Page, Other News, Row 2, United

Machinist Union Members at United Begin Preparations for New Contract Talks

Machinist Union Members at United Begin Preparations for New Contract Talks

IAM141.org
15 March 2024

Union members at United Airlines, including nearly 29,000 workers over seven different workgroups, are preparing to start contract negotiations as soon as this summer, according to an announcement made on Friday by the Union’s District President, Mike Klemm.

According to Klemm, the seven agreements between the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and United Airlines will become eligible for updates on May 1. Thanks to an early start provision in the 2023 agreements, this will be the second round of contract talks between the union and the carrier in as many years.

In 2023, the Machinists Union negotiated industry-leading wages and job protections, with thousands of union members earning more than $37 an hour. They also extended critical job protections for hundreds of employees at airports where United had a smaller footprint, who might have otherwise faced the possibility of being outsourced. The 2023 agreements also insourced several stations, including Miami and Colorado Springs.

In 2023, the Airline committed to “Expedited Negotations,” which would have focused on only the top concerns of union members. The hope was that the talks would bring meaningful job improvements to covered workers quickly, within a few months. However, the Airline proved unable to fulfill that commitment, and talks stalled.

Under the Railway Labor Act, the governing body that oversees labor relations in transportation industries, including airlines, the failure of United to quickly seal a deal with the union meant that the two parties would enter into “Section 6” negotiations instead. Section 6 Negotiations, named after Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act, will require the parties to litigate every aspect of the collective bargaining agreements and are likely to take as long as a year or more to negotiate.

President Klemm warned that the track record of United Airlines’ inability to swiftly cement collective Bargaining Agreements might result in delays in the new round of negotiations.

“It’s essential to recognize the changing dynamics at United Airlines,” he said in a written statement to union members. “This is not the same airline as it was from 2015 through 2020.”

“Our goal remains to secure an industry-leading contract for our membership by the end of this year. Nevertheless, we’re prepared for all possibilities, including the chance that negotiations may be unnecessarily delayed due to United’s strategic use of the laws that govern labor relations in the airline industry,” he continued.

Before the negotiations begin, Klemm said that union negotiators will canvas front-line union members for input.

“The feedback we get from these surveys will be vital to your Negotiating Committee as we prepare to begin talks with United Airlines,” he said, adding that high levels of participation will strengthen the union’s hand at the bargaining table.

“By participating, you’re not just sharing your views; you’re actively contributing to the strength and direction of our negotiations,” Klemm said.

 

Union Members Can Take the Survey Here

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Machinist Union Members at United Begin Preparations for New Contract Talks

15 March 2024

Union members at United Airlines, including nearly 29,000 workers over seven different workgroups, are preparing to start contract negotiations as soon as this summer, according to an announcement made on Friday by the Union’s District President, Mike Klemm.

According to Klemm, the seven agreements between the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and United Airlines will become eligible for updates on May 1. Thanks to an early start provision in the 2023 agreements, this will be the second round of contract talks between the union and the carrier in as many years.

In 2023, the Machinists Union negotiated industry-leading wages and job protections, with thousands of union members earning more than $37 an hour. They also extended critical job protections for hundreds of employees at airports where United had a smaller footprint, who might have otherwise faced the possibility of being outsourced. The 2023 agreements also insourced several stations, including Miami and Colorado Springs.

In 2023, the Airline committed to “Expedited Negotations,” which would have focused on only the top concerns of union members. The hope was that the talks would bring meaningful job improvements to covered workers quickly, within a few months. However, the Airline proved unable to fulfill that commitment, and talks stalled.

Under the Railway Labor Act, the governing body that oversees labor relations in transportation industries, including airlines, the failure of United to quickly seal a deal with the union meant that the two parties would enter into “Section 6” negotiations instead. Section 6 Negotiations, named after Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act, will require the parties to litigate every aspect of the collective bargaining agreements and are likely to take as long as a year or more to negotiate.

President Klemm warned that the track record of United Airlines’ inability to swiftly cement collective Bargaining Agreements might result in delays in the new round of negotiations.

“It’s essential to recognize the changing dynamics at United Airlines,” he said in a written statement to union members. “This is not the same airline as it was from 2015 through 2020.”

“Our goal remains to secure an industry-leading contract for our membership by the end of this year. Nevertheless, we’re prepared for all possibilities, including the chance that negotiations may be unnecessarily delayed due to United’s strategic use of the laws that govern labor relations in the airline industry,” he continued.

Before the negotiations begin, Klemm said that union negotiators will canvas front-line union members for input.

“The feedback we get from these surveys will be vital to your Negotiating Committee as we prepare to begin talks with United Airlines,” he said, adding that high levels of participation will strengthen the union’s hand at the bargaining table.

“By participating, you’re not just sharing your views; you’re actively contributing to the strength and direction of our negotiations,” Klemm said.

 

Union Members Can Take the Survey Here

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Machinists Union Calls for Immediate Senate Action on Julie Su Nomination

Machinists Union Calls for Immediate Senate Action on Julie Su Nomination

Feb 28, 2024 | Front Page, MNPL, Recent News, Row 2

Machinists Union Calls for Immediate Senate Action on Julie Su Nomination

Machinists Union Calls for Immediate Senate Action on Julie Su Nomination

IAM141.org
28 February 2024

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is urging the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee to quickly confirm Julie Su as Secretary of Labor. Su, who has been serving as Acting Secretary since March 11, 2023, was previously approved by the Senate as Deputy Secretary of Labor on July 13, 2021.

“Julie has a long record of commitment to protecting working Americans and ensuring that workplace laws and regulations are enforced accordingly,” reads the letter from IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Her work as the deputy DOL secretary, working collectively with former DOL Secretary Marty Walsh to ensure this very important federal agency promoted workforce development programs, helped promote good-paying jobs that lead to the Middle Class, and held bad-faith employers accountable.” 

In her role as Deputy Secretary, Su oversaw the Department of Labor’s operations, including managing the workforce, budget, and strategic priorities. Her tenure is noted for driving advancements within the department.

Before her federal service, Su was Secretary for the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), where she enforced workplace laws, addressed wage theft, and improved job safety standards. Her leadership saw enhanced enforcement of labor laws in California.

Su’s career has focused on worker and civil rights, recognized by a MacArthur Foundation grant. As California’s labor commissioner, she led efforts against wage theft and for fair labor practices, impacting labor law enforcement.

Su also worked at Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles, where she combined litigation, policy reform, and community engagement to advance rights for marginalized communities.

Recognized for her legal expertise, Su has been listed among California’s “Top 75 Women Litigators” and as one of Harvard Law School’s noteworthy alumni. She has taught at UCLA and Northeastern Law Schools, sharing her knowledge in labor and civil rights.

A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School, Su began her career with a Skadden Fellowship, focusing on social justice. Fluent in Mandarin and Spanish, her background enhances her advocacy for the workforce.

In the letter, Machinists Union International President Brian Bryant framed the Su nomination as part of a larger resurgence of labor momentum in the United States. “We are at a pivotal point in the labor movement,” said Bryant. “There is a growing favorable opinion of labor unions, and we must have an agency with leadership focused on protecting and safeguarding our nation’s workforce for today and our future. That leadership is Julie Su.”

The IAM’s endorsement highlights Su’s qualifications and dedication to worker welfare. The organization supports her swift confirmation, pointing to the positive impact her leadership would have on the labor market in the United States.

+ Read the letter here.

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Machinists Union Calls for Immediate Senate Action on Julie Su Nomination

28 February 2024

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is urging the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee to quickly confirm Julie Su as Secretary of Labor. Su, who has been serving as Acting Secretary since March 11, 2023, was previously approved by the Senate as Deputy Secretary of Labor on July 13, 2021.

“Julie has a long record of commitment to protecting working Americans and ensuring that workplace laws and regulations are enforced accordingly,” reads the letter from IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Her work as the deputy DOL secretary, working collectively with former DOL Secretary Marty Walsh to ensure this very important federal agency promoted workforce development programs, helped promote good-paying jobs that lead to the Middle Class, and held bad-faith employers accountable.” 

In her role as Deputy Secretary, Su oversaw the Department of Labor’s operations, including managing the workforce, budget, and strategic priorities. Her tenure is noted for driving advancements within the department.

Before her federal service, Su was Secretary for the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), where she enforced workplace laws, addressed wage theft, and improved job safety standards. Her leadership saw enhanced enforcement of labor laws in California.

Su’s career has focused on worker and civil rights, recognized by a MacArthur Foundation grant. As California’s labor commissioner, she led efforts against wage theft and for fair labor practices, impacting labor law enforcement.

Su also worked at Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles, where she combined litigation, policy reform, and community engagement to advance rights for marginalized communities.

Recognized for her legal expertise, Su has been listed among California’s “Top 75 Women Litigators” and as one of Harvard Law School’s noteworthy alumni. She has taught at UCLA and Northeastern Law Schools, sharing her knowledge in labor and civil rights.

A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School, Su began her career with a Skadden Fellowship, focusing on social justice. Fluent in Mandarin and Spanish, her background enhances her advocacy for the workforce.

In the letter, Machinists Union International President Bryan Bryant framed the Su nomination as part of a larger resurgence of labor momentum in the United States. “We are at a pivotal point in the labor movement,” said Bryant. “There is a growing favorable opinion of labor unions, and we must have an agency with leadership focused on protecting and safeguarding our nation’s workforce for today and our future. That leadership is Julie Su.”

The IAM’s endorsement highlights Su’s qualifications and dedication to worker welfare. The organization supports her swift confirmation, pointing to the positive impact her leadership would have on the labor market in the United States.

+ Read the letter here.

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Machinists Union Stands in Solidarity with Flight Attendants in Nationwide Day of Action

Machinists Union Stands in Solidarity with Flight Attendants in Nationwide Day of Action

Feb 14, 2024 | Featured News, Front Page, MNPL, Recent News, Row 2

Machinists Union Stands in Solidarity with Flight Attendants in Nationwide Day of Action

Pictured: Assistant General Chairs Erik Stenberg (left) and Mike Cyscon.

Machinists Union Stands in Solidarity with Flight Attendants in Nationwide Day of Action

IAM141.org
14 February 2024

In a display of solidarity, members of the Machinists Union joined flight attendants in nationwide rallies held at over 30 major airports across the United States on Tuesday. The collective action, organized as part of the Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action, aimed to bring attention to the ongoing labor negotiations affecting over two-thirds of flight attendants at several major airlines.

Flight attendants from United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Air Wisconsin, American Airlines, Omni, and Frontier, represented by three different labor unions, took to the picket lines in cities including New York City, Orlando, Miami, San Francisco, Charlotte, Washington DC, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and more.

The protests underscored the pressing issues at hand as flight attendants push for fair and just contracts amidst negotiations with their respective airlines. In total, the unions participating in the day of action represent more than 100,000 flight attendants at all major airlines in the United States.

“Our time is now!” declared AFA Alaska President Jeffrey Peterson. “Alaska Flight Attendants today backed up our fight for an industry-leading contract with a 99.48% strike vote. And we’re out on the picket line demonstrating that we’re ready to do whatever it takes to get the contract we deserve. There’s no excuse: Alaska management has the money to buy another airline, they certainly have the money to invest in Flight Attendants. We have a simple message for management: Pay us, or CHAOS!”

Flight attendants at Alaska Airlines, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike authorization should management fail to agree to significant improvements. The last time Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants went on strike was in 1993, when Flight Attendants took over the schedule using AFA’s trademarked strike strategy, Creating Havoc Around Our System™ or CHAOS™.

“Alaska Flight Attendants are fired up and ready to go,” emphasized AFA International President Sara Nelson. “You can’t fly without Flight Attendants. If Alaska management doesn’t remember what happens when you disrespect Flight Attendants, we are ready to show them. It’s past time for a fair deal.”

“We are not a line item on a balance sheet,” stated Melinda Beal, president of the AFA Cleveland chapter, as reported by Axios. She highlighted the challenges faced by flight attendants, including longer hours with little rest between shifts, eroding wages due to inflation, and airlines reaping billions in profits. Beal emphasized the demand for raises and the challenge to the pay structure.

The demonstrations are not strikes, though that’s the next step. The industry norm is that attendants don’t get paid until the plane doors close. Union members are calling for full pay for their work during boarding or deplaning and for time on the ground between back-to-back flights. In 2022, Delta Air Lines became the first U.S. airline to pay flight attendants during boarding, but at only half their standard rate.

 

 

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Machinists Union Stands in Solidarity with Flight Attendants in Nationwide Day of Action

February 14 2024

Pictured: Assistant General Chairs Erik Stenberg (left) and Mike Cyscon.

In a display of solidarity, members of the Machinists Union joined flight attendants in nationwide rallies held at over 30 major airports across the United States on Tuesday. The collective action, organized as part of the Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action, aimed to bring attention to the ongoing labor negotiations affecting over two-thirds of flight attendants at several major airlines.

Flight attendants from United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Air Wisconsin, American Airlines, Omni, and Frontier, represented by three different labor unions, took to the picket lines in cities including New York City, Orlando, Miami, San Francisco, Charlotte, Washington DC, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and more.

The protests underscored the pressing issues at hand as flight attendants push for fair and just contracts amidst negotiations with their respective airlines. In total, the unions participating in the day of action represent more than 100,000 flight attendants at all major airlines in the United States.

“Our time is now!” declared AFA Alaska President Jeffrey Peterson. “Alaska Flight Attendants today backed up our fight for an industry-leading contract with a 99.48% strike vote. And we’re out on the picket line demonstrating that we’re ready to do whatever it takes to get the contract we deserve. There’s no excuse: Alaska management has the money to buy another airline, they certainly have the money to invest in Flight Attendants. We have a simple message for management: Pay us, or CHAOS!”

Flight attendants at Alaska Airlines, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike authorization should management fail to agree to significant improvements. The last time Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants went on strike was in 1993, when Flight Attendants took over the schedule using AFA’s trademarked strike strategy, Creating Havoc Around Our System™ or CHAOS™.

“Alaska Flight Attendants are fired up and ready to go,” emphasized AFA International President Sara Nelson. “You can’t fly without Flight Attendants. If Alaska management doesn’t remember what happens when you disrespect Flight Attendants, we are ready to show them. It’s past time for a fair deal.”

“We are not a line item on a balance sheet,” stated Melinda Beal, president of the AFA Cleveland chapter, as reported by Axios. She highlighted the challenges faced by flight attendants, including longer hours with little rest between shifts, eroding wages due to inflation, and airlines reaping billions in profits. Beal emphasized the demand for raises and the challenge to the pay structure.

The demonstrations are not strikes, though that’s the next step. The industry norm is that attendants don’t get paid until the plane doors close. Union members are calling for full pay for their work during boarding or deplaning and for time on the ground between back-to-back flights. In 2022, Delta Air Lines became the first U.S. airline to pay flight attendants during boarding, but at only half their standard rate.

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