The Perfect Storm: How Weather and Staffing Woes Are Disrupting US Airlines

The Perfect Storm: How Weather and Staffing Woes Are Disrupting US Airlines

The Perfect Storm: How Weather and Staffing Woes Are Disrupting US Airlines

IAM141.org

The past week saw a surge of US airline passengers left high and dry as extreme weather caused a multitude of grounded planes and flight cancellations. However, the weather was only a part of the larger issue causing the travel disruption.

There is a glaring scarcity of staff across US airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control operations, escalating the already difficult circumstances.

The state of affairs saw a slight improvement on Wednesday at US airports. The FlightAware tracking service reported that about 800 flights were canceled, and an additional 1,400 were delayed by midday ET. Stormy weather around Boston caused an early morning ground stop on Wednesday, holding aircraft bound for Logan Airport at the gate or on the tarmac at various national airports.

Although this shows some progress compared to the 2,200 flights canceled on each of the two previous days and more than 16,000 delayed flights between Monday and Tuesday, the operation is far from running smoothly.

Staffing Issues

One of the key reasons why the US air travel system cannot recover rapidly from widespread weather disruptions is the need for more staff to manage these interruptions.

Despite a substantial injection of $54 billion of taxpayer money into airlines during the pandemic, many airlines considerably scaled back staff during the initial pandemic year when air travel and fares declined. They offered buyouts and early retirement packages, though involuntary layoffs were prohibited. Several airlines also permanently retired older, less efficient planes. The rehiring of staff has proved slower than airlines had promised.

Domestic US airline capacity, calculated by the number of available seats adjusted for miles flown, is still down 10% in the current quarter compared to Q2 2019, before the pandemic, according to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company.

Additionally, finding available seats for passengers on canceled flights becomes a significant problem, particularly during peak travel periods.

The Transportation Security Administration predicts that this coming Friday, the beginning of the four-day July Fourth weekend will be the busiest air travel day since the pandemic began.

In an interview published by CBS News, Delta CEO Ed Bastian noted that the current situation has improved from last year. However, he conceded to investors that his airline “still [is] not running as optimally as it needs to run. We have improvements we can make. Substantial improvements, over where we were last summer.”

FAA Difficulties

In the same CBS News report, United’s CEO partly largely blamed the FAA for his failure to staff and organize the airline. The FAA, he argued, limited the flight frequency to and from major urban areas such as the three airports in and around New York City. United bore the brunt of the cancellations and delays, mostly centered at its’ hub in Newark.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expressed his dissatisfaction with the FAA in an internal company memo, stating, “The FAA frankly failed us this weekend,” a sentiment he shared with CBS News. Over the weekend, the airline had to cancel 461 flights and postpone 1,972 flights, as per FlightAware data.

In the CBS interview, Kirby claimed that on Saturday, the FAA reduced the arrival and departure rates at its sprawling Newark Liberty International Airport hub by 40% and 75%, respectively. “And that put everyone behind the eight ball when weather actually did hit on Sunday and was further compounded by FAA staffing shortages Sunday evening.”

Kirby, who depends on the goodwill of Federal regulators for authorizations and clearances critical to the airline, was careful to stop short of appearing to cast blame on FAA Leadership. 

In response to Kirby’s criticism, an FAA spokesperson responded by saying they are always willing to collaborate with anyone seriously committed to solving a problem.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, at an unrelated event in South Carolina on Wednesday, shared his thoughts on the situation. He affirmed that conditions have improved compared to last year but acknowledged the need for further progress. He applauded the airlines for their efforts and identified the weather as a significant contributor to the current issues. He refrained from commenting specifically on United’s concerns about the problems caused by the FAA and its air traffic control system.

In the CBS News report, Buttigieg stated, “Anything under our control at the FAA we’re going to be working on and anything under the airlines’ control, they need to step up and take responsibility.” He relayed his travel difficulties to South Carolina, including one cancellation and one delay, which resulted in his arrival being postponed to 2:30 am. He expressed empathy for the plight of many Americans undergoing similar experiences.

In Houstons’ Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), hundreds of stranded passengers were stranded overnight on Monday, many of whom were forced to sleep in communal rows on the airport floor. The passengers, most of whom were traveling on United, did not have access to restaurants or food. Water was only available via water fountains, and only two restrooms were available. 

The storms or staffing shortages did not directly impact Bush Airport but were still the victim of cascading failures elsewhere in the system. One ramp employee said that none of the early morning “Head Start” flights, which the airline tries to send out early if possible, had departed on time for the past three days.

Union Intervention is Needed

However, one of the major unions at United, the Association of Flight Attendants, pointed out that the issue extended well beyond the FAA and included the airline’s management.

According to a memo shared with media outlets, the union expressed their mounting frustration, pointing out a long list of seemingly endless problems, particularly for those working extended hours. The memo, sent to members on Monday, highlighted extensive wait times with company crew schedulers, indicating problems beyond air traffic control staffing shortages.

When questioned about the flight attendants’ complaints, United responded that “making sure our flight attendants can reach us quickly is a top priority. We have deployed all available resources to catch up on call volume, including increasing staffing in crew scheduling and mandatory overtime on the scheduling team. We also have ways flight attendants can check in electronically for trips and schedule changes.” 

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The Perfect Storm: How Weather and Staffing Woes Are Disrupting US Airlines

June 28, 2023

The past week saw a surge of US airline passengers left high and dry as extreme weather caused a multitude of grounded planes and flight cancellations. However, the weather was only a part of the larger issue causing the travel disruption.

There is a glaring scarcity of staff across US airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control operations, escalating the already difficult circumstances.

The state of affairs saw a slight improvement on Wednesday at US airports. The FlightAware tracking service reported that about 800 flights were canceled, and an additional 1,400 were delayed by midday ET. Stormy weather around Boston caused an early morning ground stop on Wednesday, holding aircraft bound for Logan Airport at the gate or on the tarmac at various national airports.

Although this shows some progress compared to the 2,200 flights canceled on each of the two previous days and more than 16,000 delayed flights between Monday and Tuesday, the operation is far from running smoothly.

Staffing Issues

One of the key reasons why the US air travel system cannot recover rapidly from widespread weather disruptions is the need for more staff to manage these interruptions.

Despite a substantial injection of $54 billion of taxpayer money into airlines during the pandemic, many airlines considerably scaled back staff during the initial pandemic year when air travel and fares declined. They offered buyouts and early retirement packages, though involuntary layoffs were prohibited. Several airlines also permanently retired older, less efficient planes. The rehiring of staff has proved slower than airlines had promised.

Domestic US airline capacity, calculated by the number of available seats adjusted for miles flown, is still down 10% in the current quarter compared to Q2 2019, before the pandemic, according to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company.

Additionally, finding available seats for passengers on canceled flights becomes a significant problem, particularly during peak travel periods.

The Transportation Security Administration predicts that this coming Friday, the beginning of the four-day July Fourth weekend will be the busiest air travel day since the pandemic began.

In an interview published by CBS News, Delta CEO Ed Bastian noted that the current situation has improved from last year. However, he conceded to investors that his airline “still [is] not running as optimally as it needs to run. We have improvements we can make. Substantial improvements, over where we were last summer.”

FAA Difficulties

In the same CBS News report, United’s CEO partly largely blamed the FAA for his failure to staff and organize the airline. The FAA, he argued, limited the flight frequency to and from major urban areas such as the three airports in and around New York City. United bore the brunt of the cancellations and delays, mostly centered at its’ hub in Newark.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expressed his dissatisfaction with the FAA in an internal company memo, stating, “The FAA frankly failed us this weekend,” a sentiment he shared with CBS News. Over the weekend, the airline had to cancel 461 flights and postpone 1,972 flights, as per FlightAware data.

In the CBS interview, Kirby claimed that on Saturday, the FAA reduced the arrival and departure rates at its sprawling Newark Liberty International Airport hub by 40% and 75%, respectively. “And that put everyone behind the eight ball when weather actually did hit on Sunday and was further compounded by FAA staffing shortages Sunday evening.”

Kirby, who depends on the goodwill of Federal regulators for authorizations and clearances critical to the airline, was careful to stop short of appearing to cast blame on FAA Leadership. 

In response to Kirby’s criticism, an FAA spokesperson responded by saying they are always willing to collaborate with anyone seriously committed to solving a problem.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, at an unrelated event in South Carolina on Wednesday, shared his thoughts on the situation. He affirmed that conditions have improved compared to last year but acknowledged the need for further progress. He applauded the airlines for their efforts and identified the weather as a significant contributor to the current issues. He refrained from commenting specifically on United’s concerns about the problems caused by the FAA and its air traffic control system.

In the CBS News report, Buttigieg stated, “Anything under our control at the FAA we’re going to be working on and anything under the airlines’ control, they need to step up and take responsibility.” He relayed his travel difficulties to South Carolina, including one cancellation and one delay, which resulted in his arrival being postponed to 2:30 am. He expressed empathy for the plight of many Americans undergoing similar experiences.

In Houstons’ Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), hundreds of stranded passengers were stranded overnight on Monday, many of whom were forced to sleep in communal rows on the airport floor. The passengers, most of whom were traveling on United, did not have access to restaurants or food. Water was only available via water fountains, and only two restrooms were available. 

The storms or staffing shortages did not directly impact Bush Airport but were still the victim of cascading failures elsewhere in the system. One ramp employee said that none of the early morning “Head Start” flights, which the airline tries to send out early if possible, had departed on time for the past three days.

Union Intervention is Needed

However, one of the major unions at United, the Association of Flight Attendants, pointed out that the issue extended well beyond the FAA and included the airline’s management.

According to a memo shared with media outlets, the union expressed their mounting frustration, pointing out a long list of seemingly endless problems, particularly for those working extended hours. The memo, sent to members on Monday, highlighted extensive wait times with company crew schedulers, indicating problems beyond air traffic control staffing shortages.

When questioned about the flight attendants’ complaints, United responded that “making sure our flight attendants can reach us quickly is a top priority. We have deployed all available resources to catch up on call volume, including increasing staffing in crew scheduling and mandatory overtime on the scheduling team. We also have ways flight attendants can check in electronically for trips and schedule changes.” 

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Guam Delegate Challenges United’s ‘Absurd’ Prices

Guam Delegate Challenges United’s ‘Absurd’ Prices

Guam Delegate Challenges United’s ‘Absurd’ Prices

IAM141.org

Guam Del. James Moylan is seeking more information on flights into and out of Guam, including the reasons behind “absurd” prices for United Airlines tickets in the aftermath of Typhoon Mawar. He has written two letters, one to United Airlines CEO and President John Kirby and the other to Guam International Airport Authority Executive Manager John Quinata.

In his letter to Kirby, Moylan took issue with current prices for flights to Guam, which he said ranged between $4,000 and $7,000. He questioned whether price gouging was occurring and stated that these fares warrant congressional intervention and review from the Guam Attorney General.

“I am writing this letter to express my concerns with the absurd costs for one to travel to and from Guam, especially as we face the aftermath of major natural disaster in Guam, which will surely impact our economic activity in an adverse manner over the coming weeks and months,” Moylan wrote in the letter to United.

He shared that in his search for a flight home, the lowest airfare he could get carried a price tag of more than $5,000. Moylan said the airfare cost to Guam after Typhoon Mawar was also the focus of intense Hawaii media coverage.

“In 2022, mainland flight would cost $2,500 to Guam and now those seats exceed $3,000. We need some answers because these types of fares will certainly warrant congressional intervention and review from the Guam Attorney General,” Moylan stated in the letter to Kirby.
Although the nonvoting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives said he understood factors such as demand and supply impact airfare costs, he told United that the company needs “to show some compassion.”

United routes between Guam and the mainland are not subject to market forces. The carrier holds a monopoly on all flights connecting the island to the United States.

“Island residents should not be penalized with absurd costs to travel to and from Guam, which is exactly what’s taking place,” Moylan asserted in the letter. He asked Kirby to look at the airfare costs and work with him on a solution.

In his letter to Quinata, Moylan requested a status update on the airport facility and a definite date for inbound and outbound travel to resume. While GIAA announced the airport would be operational by the end of May, Moylan said he wanted to confirm that time frame with the head of the airport.

There have been “too many stories and theories circulating in the community” about when passenger flights will be back, the delegate wrote.

“While I understand that the scheduled date of May 31 as an opening was previously announced, our office would like to know if this is definite,” Moylan asked Quinata.

United Airlines, which enjoys a monopoly on direct flights from Guam to the mainland United States, has come under fire recently for its inflated ticket prices. In comparison to prices for similar distances, United’s Guam-mainland fares stand out as significantly higher. The problem has been exacerbated in the wake of the super typhoon that hit the island.

United Airlines ticket prices have shown no signs of decreasing. This has significant socio-economic implications for the residents of Guam, many of whom depend on these connections for commerce, family visits, and in times like these, recovery support. The call is out for United to voluntarily lower its fares or congressional intervention to prevent such monopolistic price gouging.

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Guam Delegate Challenges United’s ‘Absurd’ Prices

June 2, 2023

Guam Del. James Moylan is seeking more information on flights into and out of Guam, including the reasons behind “absurd” prices for United Airlines tickets in the aftermath of Typhoon Mawar. He has written two letters, one to United Airlines CEO and President John Kirby and the other to Guam International Airport Authority Executive Manager John Quinata.

In his letter to Kirby, Moylan took issue with current prices for flights to Guam, which he said ranged between $4,000 and $7,000. He questioned whether price gouging was occurring and stated that these fares warrant congressional intervention and review from the Guam Attorney General.

“I am writing this letter to express my concerns with the absurd costs for one to travel to and from Guam, especially as we face the aftermath of major natural disaster in Guam, which will surely impact our economic activity in an adverse manner over the coming weeks and months,” Moylan wrote in the letter to United.

He shared that in his search for a flight home, the lowest airfare he could get carried a price tag of more than $5,000. Moylan said the airfare cost to Guam after Typhoon Mawar was also the focus of intense Hawaii media coverage.

“In 2022, mainland flight would cost $2,500 to Guam and now those seats exceed $3,000. We need some answers because these types of fares will certainly warrant congressional intervention and review from the Guam Attorney General,” Moylan stated in the letter to Kirby.
Although the nonvoting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives said he understood factors such as demand and supply impact airfare costs, he told United that the company needs “to show some compassion.”

United routes between Guam and the mainland are not subject to market forces. The carrier holds a monopoly on all flights connecting the island to the United States.

“Island residents should not be penalized with absurd costs to travel to and from Guam, which is exactly what’s taking place,” Moylan asserted in the letter. He asked Kirby to look at the airfare costs and work with him on a solution.

In his letter to Quinata, Moylan requested a status update on the airport facility and a definite date for inbound and outbound travel to resume. While GIAA announced the airport would be operational by the end of May, Moylan said he wanted to confirm that time frame with the head of the airport.

There have been “too many stories and theories circulating in the community” about when passenger flights will be back, the delegate wrote.

“While I understand that the scheduled date of May 31 as an opening was previously announced, our office would like to know if this is definite,” Moylan asked Quinata.

United Airlines, which enjoys a monopoly on direct flights from Guam to the mainland United States, has come under fire recently for its inflated ticket prices. In comparison to prices for similar distances, United’s Guam-mainland fares stand out as significantly higher. The problem has been exacerbated in the wake of the super typhoon that hit the island.

United Airlines ticket prices have shown no signs of decreasing. This has significant socio-economic implications for the residents of Guam, many of whom depend on these connections for commerce, family visits, and in times like these, recovery support. The call is out for United to voluntarily lower its fares or congressional intervention to prevent such monopolistic price gouging.

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Largest Non-Strike Rally in Airline History

Largest Non-Strike Rally in Airline History

Largest Non-Strike Rally in Airline History

IAM141.org

HOUSTON – The largest non-strike rally in the history of commercial aviation took place on Friday. Thousands of airline workers from five different Unions joined forces at ten airports to call attention to foot-dragging by United Airlines in ongoing contract talks with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

According to estimates from ALPA Spokesman Captain Michael Williams, about 3,000 Pilots participated in the rallies, representing about 20% of the 15,000 Pilots at the carrier. Over 400 Pilots, Fleet and Passenger Service, Mechanics and other workgroups attended one rally in Houston.

Pilots at United have been working without a raise for over four years while contract talks seem all but stalled.

According to Williams, the protracted negotiations have left Pilots at United all but last in line among workgroups at the carrier. He also stressed that the longer Pilots go without an updated agreement, the longer the airline will be at a competitive disadvantage as it attempts to attract new pilots.

“United management’s vision of “United Next” cannot happen without a Contract First,” he told a group of media outlets and reporters covering the Houston event.

The demonstrations are happening just before what could be a record-breaking but nightmarish summer travel season.

This summer is expected to be among the most frustrating for air travelers since airlines were deregulated in 1978. Airlines are raising fares, overselling flights, and lacking critical staff to load and unload passengers and baggage onto planes. According to industry watchers, airlines are struggling to keep up with the post-pandemic surge in demand. The staff shortage is already causing flight cancellations and delays, notably Southwest, whose Christmas meltdown saw thousands of cancellations and delays and cost the carrier more than $500 million.

The leader of the United Airlines Pilots’ Union, Garth Thompson, said in a recent interview that the airline is refusing to match new benchmark pay rates for the aviation industry.

They also want their new contract to have equal or better work-life balance. He said that any proposal from the airline that does not meet these expectations will not be ratified.

In March, the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) negotiated a massive 34% pay increase at Delta Air Lines, improving wages and benefits by $7 billion. The deal helps to establish Delta as a more attractive employer amid a nationwide pilot shortage.

“We expect our contract to raise the bar from Delta’s contract,” Thompson said in an interview with Reuters this week. “We’re not just looking for more money, we’re looking for several areas of improvement that we’ve been waiting a long time to achieve.”

The Union stated that a tentative contract proposed last year failed to meet the minimum requirements of Pilots, resulting in an overwhelming rejection by the Union.

United Airlines is touting an optimistic growth plan called “United Next.” However, the pilot group is pointing out that without an industry-leading agreement, management won’t be able to expand in the way they want unless the company can hire and retain the best pilots. The failed deal and a new high bar at other properties have unified the pilot group.

“We’ve all heard of or witnessed United executives claiming they’re ready to conclude negotiations toward an industry-leading agreement,” Thompson said. “Having noted the increasing boldness and frequency of their assertions, it’s time for them to prove the extent of their sincerity.”

Thompson noted the increasing boldness and frequency of their assertions and said that it was time for them to prove the extent of their sincerity.

In addition to ALPA, the rallies were attended by The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Professional Airline Flight Control Association (PAFA), and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

Members of IAMAW Locals 811 and 2198 pose for a group photo following a rally that drew over 400 Union Members near Bush Intercontinental Airport. The rally was one of ten held at major airports around the nation. 

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Largest Non-Strike Rally in Airline History

MAY 12, 2023

HOUSTON – The largest non-strike rally in the history of commercial aviation took place on Friday. Thousands of airline workers from five different Unions joined forces at ten airports to call attention to foot-dragging by United Airlines in ongoing contract talks with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

According to estimates from ALPA Spokesman Captain Michael Williams, about 3,000 Pilots participated in the rallies, representing about 20% of the 15,000 Pilots at the carrier. Over 400 Pilots, Fleet and Passenger Service, Mechanics and other workgroups attended one rally in Houston.

Pilots at United have been working without a raise for over four years while contract talks seem all but stalled.

According to Williams, the protracted negotiations have left Pilots at United all but last in line among workgroups at the carrier. He also stressed that the longer Pilots go without an updated agreement, the longer the airline will be at a competitive disadvantage as it attempts to attract new pilots.

“United management’s vision of “United Next” cannot happen without a Contract First,” he told a group of media outlets and reporters covering the Houston event.

The demonstrations are happening just before what could be a record-breaking but nightmarish summer travel season.

This summer is expected to be among the most frustrating for air travelers since airlines were deregulated in 1978. Airlines are raising fares, overselling flights, and lacking critical staff to load and unload passengers and baggage onto planes. According to industry watchers, airlines are struggling to keep up with the post-pandemic surge in demand. The staff shortage is already causing flight cancellations and delays, notably Southwest, whose Christmas meltdown saw thousands of cancellations and delays and cost the carrier more than $500 million.

The leader of the United Airlines Pilots’ Union, Garth Thompson, said in a recent interview that the airline is refusing to match new benchmark pay rates for the aviation industry.

They also want their new contract to have equal or better work-life balance. He said that any proposal from the airline that does not meet these expectations will not be ratified.

In March, the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) negotiated a massive 34% pay increase at Delta Air Lines, improving wages and benefits by $7 billion. The deal helps to establish Delta as a more attractive employer amid a nationwide pilot shortage.

“We expect our contract to raise the bar from Delta’s contract,” Thompson said in an interview with Reuters this week. “We’re not just looking for more money, we’re looking for several areas of improvement that we’ve been waiting a long time to achieve.”

The Union stated that a tentative contract proposed last year failed to meet the minimum requirements of Pilots, resulting in an overwhelming rejection by the Union.

United Airlines is touting an optimistic growth plan called “United Next.” However, the pilot group is pointing out that without an industry-leading agreement, management won’t be able to expand in the way they want unless the company can hire and retain the best pilots. The failed deal and a new high bar at other properties have unified the pilot group.

“We’ve all heard of or witnessed United executives claiming they’re ready to conclude negotiations toward an industry-leading agreement,” Thompson said. “Having noted the increasing boldness and frequency of their assertions, it’s time for them to prove the extent of their sincerity.”

Thompson noted the increasing boldness and frequency of their assertions and said that it was time for them to prove the extent of their sincerity.

In addition to ALPA, the rallies were attended by The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Professional Airline Flight Control Association (PAFA), and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

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Machinists Union District 141 Supports UAL Pilots’ Picket on May 12

Machinists Union District 141 Supports UAL Pilots’ Picket on May 12

Machinists Union District 141 Supports UAL Pilots’ Picket on May 12

IAM141.org

ALPA / IAMAW – As union members, we know the importance of solidarity and unity. That’s why we stand with our brothers and sisters at ALPA, who are fighting for a fair contract from United management. They are picketing on Friday, May 12, at all UA hubs to demand Contract First/United Next. We urge all union members to join them and show United management we are solid. Their struggle is our struggle.

The United pilots have been in negotiations for more than five years and are still waiting for a contract reflecting their value and sacrifices. United management’s “United Next” plan cannot happen without a Contract First. They need to respect the pilots who make United fly and who have contributed to United’s success.

We invite all Machinists Union District 141 members and other labor union members to join the United pilots on the picket line as we send a clear message to United management. We will not tolerate any delays or excuses. We demand a contract now.

Below is the list of locations and RSVP links for the picket events. Please click on the link for your location and register your attendance. Links will be updated as more information becomes available concerning each picket.

UAL PILOTS’ INFORMATIONAL PICKETING LOCATIONS & RSVPs

Let’s show our support and solidarity to the United pilots on May 12. Together, we can make a difference. Contract First/United Next!

 

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Machinists Union District 141 Supports UAL Pilots’ Picket on May 12

MAY 3, 2023

ALPA / IAMAW – As union members, we know the importance of solidarity and unity. That’s why we stand with our brothers and sisters at ALPA, who are fighting for a fair contract from United management. They are picketing on Friday, May 12, at all UA hubs to demand Contract First/United Next. We urge all union members to join them and show United management we are solid. Their struggle is our struggle.

The United pilots have been in negotiations for more than five years and are still waiting for a contract reflecting their value and sacrifices. United management’s “United Next” plan cannot happen without a Contract First. They need to respect the pilots who make United fly and who have contributed to United’s success.

We invite all Machinists Union District 141 members and other labor union members to join the United pilots on the picket line as we send a clear message to United management. We will not tolerate any delays or excuses. We demand a contract now.

Below is the list of locations and RSVP links for the picket events. Please click on the link for your location and register your attendance. Links will be updated as more information becomes available concerning each picket.

UAL PILOTS’ INFORMATIONAL PICKETING LOCATIONS & RSVPs

Let’s show our support and solidarity to the United pilots on May 12. Together, we can make a difference. Contract First/United Next!

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New FAA Policies Could Ease Chaotic Summer Travel Season for Airlines

New FAA Policies Could Ease Chaotic Summer Travel Season for Airlines

New FAA Policies Could Ease Chaotic Summer Travel Season

IAM141.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The FAA has introduced 169 new routes along the East Coast that are more direct and will save time for passengers and fuel for airlines while increasing safety. Tim Arel, the COO of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization, stated that “these improvements will help travelers get to their destinations more efficiently and reduce complexity in the national airspace system.”

Annually, these direct routes will save 40,000 miles and 6,000 minutes of travel time. They will also help prevent delays by giving the FAA more capacity to direct traffic based on the aircraft’s destination. In the case of weather events, controllers will have more flexibility and safety will be enhanced due to fewer converging points and simpler flows.

The new routes operate primarily above 18,000 feet along the East Coast and offshore over the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. The FAA replaced the old routes built when aircraft relied on ground-based radar instead of GPS. The FAA worked with the industry for over seven years to develop these high-altitude highways in the sky.

The new policies could help ease what is shaping up to be a chaotic summer travel season for airlines. 

Pilots at American Airlines have voted in favor of authorizing a strike. While this is unlikely to result in an immediate walkout, it does increase pressure on the airline to reach a new contract with the Pilots’ Union.

The Allied Pilots Association announced that over 96% of its 15,000 members participated in the vote, and 99% of those who voted were in favor of authorizing the union to call for a strike.

“The summer travel season is almost here, and we’re all wondering whether this will be another summer of uncertainty for American Airlines,” said Capt. Ed Sicher, APA President. “Fortunately, there is an alternative. By embracing the win-win scheduling and work rule improvements APA has presented at the bargaining table, management can take steps to improve the airline’s operational reliability and efficiency.”

Capt. Sicher noted that APA has provided airline management with detailed data illustrating how the union’s proposals will drive improved reliability.

Strike authorization voting began on April 1 and ended at midnight Central on April 30. With more than 96 percent of the APA membership participating, more than 99 percent voted in favor of authorizing a strike.

“The APA membership has spoken. We will strike if necessary to secure the industry-leading contract that our pilots have earned and deserve – a contract that will position American Airlines for success,” Capt. Sicher said. “With more than 99 percent of participating pilots voting in favor of authorizing a strike, our pilots’ resolve is unmistakable. We will not be deterred from our goal of an industry-leading contract.”

In a demonstration of their resolve, APA members will be conducting informational picketing today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time at all 10 of the airline’s major hubs: Boston (BOS), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX), and Washington, D.C. (DCA).

Airline unions are prohibited by federal law from striking without the approval of a U.S. Mediation Board. The Federal Agency has yet to indicate that such a move is being considered.

The American Pilots’ Union is seeking changes to their scheduling that will improve efficiency and prevent the widespread delays and cancellations that occurred last summer, similar to the new FAA proposals. 

There was some good news at United Airlines, however. Nearly 30,000 union members at the airline, including five separate workgroups, voted to ratify new agreements with the carrier. The contracts will provide industry-best compensation and new job protections and insource new work for union members at United. 

With the new agreements, United can now focus on negotiating an updated contract with the carrier’s 12,000 pilots, who have been in talks for the past four years. 

United stocks finished the day higher on Monday, the day of the Machinists Union contract Ratifications, out-performing an otherwise gloomy day of trading. Shares of United Airlines Holdings Inc. UAL, -1.87% rallied 1.39% to $44.41 in afternoon trading. United Airlines Holdings Inc. ended the day $10.63 under its 52-week high of $55.04, which the company reported on March 7th.

 

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Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the Machinists Union

New FAA Policies Could Ease Chaotic Summer Travel Season

 

MAY 3, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The FAA has introduced 169 new routes along the East Coast that are more direct and will save time for passengers and fuel for airlines while increasing safety. Tim Arel, the COO of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization, stated that “these improvements will help travelers get to their destinations more efficiently and reduce complexity in the national airspace system.”

Annually, these direct routes will save 40,000 miles and 6,000 minutes of travel time. They will also help prevent delays by giving the FAA more capacity to direct traffic based on the aircraft’s destination. In the case of weather events, controllers will have more flexibility and safety will be enhanced due to fewer converging points and simpler flows.

The new routes operate primarily above 18,000 feet along the East Coast and offshore over the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. The FAA replaced the old routes built when aircraft relied on ground-based radar instead of GPS. The FAA worked with the industry for over seven years to develop these high-altitude highways in the sky.

The new policies could help ease what is shaping up to be a chaotic summer travel season for airlines. 

Pilots at American Airlines have voted in favor of authorizing a strike. While this is unlikely to result in an immediate walkout, it does increase pressure on the airline to reach a new contract with the Pilots’ Union.

The Allied Pilots Association announced that over 96% of its 15,000 members participated in the vote, and 99% of those who voted were in favor of authorizing the union to call for a strike.

“The summer travel season is almost here, and we’re all wondering whether this will be another summer of uncertainty for American Airlines,” said Capt. Ed Sicher, APA President. “Fortunately, there is an alternative. By embracing the win-win scheduling and work rule improvements APA has presented at the bargaining table, management can take steps to improve the airline’s operational reliability and efficiency.”

Capt. Sicher noted that APA has provided airline management with detailed data illustrating how the union’s proposals will drive improved reliability.

Strike authorization voting began on April 1 and ended at midnight Central on April 30. With more than 96 percent of the APA membership participating, more than 99 percent voted in favor of authorizing a strike.

“The APA membership has spoken. We will strike if necessary to secure the industry-leading contract that our pilots have earned and deserve – a contract that will position American Airlines for success,” Capt. Sicher said. “With more than 99 percent of participating pilots voting in favor of authorizing a strike, our pilots’ resolve is unmistakable. We will not be deterred from our goal of an industry-leading contract.”

In a demonstration of their resolve, APA members will be conducting informational picketing today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time at all 10 of the airline’s major hubs: Boston (BOS), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX), and Washington, D.C. (DCA).

 

Airline unions are prohibited by federal law from striking without the approval of a U.S. Mediation Board. The Federal Agency has yet to indicate that such a move is being considered.

The American Pilots’ Union is seeking changes to their scheduling that will improve efficiency and prevent the widespread delays and cancellations that occurred last summer, similar to the new FAA proposals. 

There was some good news at United Airlines, however. Nearly 30,000 union members at the airline, including five separate workgroups, voted to ratify new agreements with the carrier. The contracts will provide industry-best compensation and new job protections and insource new work for union members at United. 

With the new agreements, United can now focus on negotiating an updated contract with the carrier’s 12,000 pilots, who have been in talks for the past four years. 

United stocks finished the day higher on Monday, the day of the Machinists Union contract Ratifications, out-performing an otherwise gloomy day of trading. Shares of United Airlines Holdings Inc. UAL, -1.87% rallied 1.39% to $44.41 in afternoon trading. United Airlines Holdings Inc. ended the day $10.63 under its 52-week high of $55.04, which the company reported on March 7th.

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Machinists Union Members Ratify Five Contracts with United Airlines

Machinists Union Members Ratify Five Contracts with United Airlines

Machinists Union Members Ratify Five Contracts with United Airlines

Sisters and Brothers, this evening approximately 29,000 District Lodge 141 members at United Airlines overwhelmingly ratified five contracts in the Fleet Service, Passenger Service, Storekeeper, Maintenance Instructor, and Fleet Technical Instructor and Related classifications. Unfortunately, the 73 Central Load Planners and 45 Security Officers did not ratify and will now proceed to Section 6 Negotiations.

These five contracts will provide industry-best wage rates at every step of the respective pay scales in each agreement, insource five previously outsourced locations, MIA, COS (ATW and BTW), ATL, RDU and SLC (BTW) and bring the 17 locations currently covered by LOA 9 into the scope of the agreement with no expiration date. We also were able to increase lead and specialty premiums, limit part-time usage, extend system no lay-off protection to tens of thousands of IAM members and obtain a ratification payment.

The ratified two-year agreements also allow us to start Section 6 negotiations in 12 months, one year before the amendable date of the agreements. Early next year, we will begin the collective bargaining process, with a survey and an official call for proposals. We will then appoint a screening committee to determine membership priorities and begin negotiations.

I’d like to thank every District Lodge 141 member who participated in the ratification vote to not only improve their lives, but also the lives of thousands of other airline workers in like classes and crafts. District Lodge 141 members have once again set the bar in the airline industry by demonstrating their solidarity and demanding justice on the job.

I’d also like to thank every member of the negotiating committee for their diligence in negotiating these contracts for our members; Olu Ajetomobi, Joe Bartz, Victor Hernandez, Barb Martin, Andrea’ Myers, Terry Stansbury, Faysal Silwany, Erik Stenberg, and Sue Weisner.

I want every IAM member to know that your committee represented your interests with the greatest of care, attention, and detail. I also want to thank Air Transport General Vice President Richie Johnsen and his staff for their support and counsel. These agreements would not have been possible without the support and resources of the Grand Lodge.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank the United Airlines management negotiators who were respectful to our negotiators and were always willing to keep the dialogue going. While we had many disagreements across the table, United management negotiators recognized that United workers are an asset to be invested in, not a liability to be minimized. For that, they deserve credit.

In Solidarity,

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

Recording Secretaries: Please print and post on all IAMAW bulletin Boards.