Machinists Union Joins Call for Police Reform, Racial Justice

Machinists Union Joins Call for Police Reform, Racial Justice

Jun 16, 2020 | Community Service, Community Service Page, Front Page, MNPL, Row 2, Uncategorized | 0 comments

The IAM is supporting recommendations issued by the AFL-CIO’s general board to take concrete action to address America’s long history of racism.

The board approved the recommendations after emergency meetings of the AFL-CIO Committees on Civil and Human Rights and the AFL-CIO Committee on Legislation and Policy. Both committees discussed the murder of George Floyd and unanimously agreed to actions the labor movement could take to address racial injustice and police brutality against people of color.

Read the full AFL-CIO general board recommendations.

Members and leaders of the IAM are also encouraged to participate in future central labor council community listening sessions on racial justice.

“On behalf of myself and the entire IAM Executive Council, we ask everyone in our union family to not only participate in these discussions, but take a look inward and see how you can be part of the solution,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Our union has a proud history of human rights activism. We will always stand firm in our belief that any form of discrimination has no place in our society.”

Read Martinez’s full statement addressing racial justice.

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Senator Casey: Hours Reductions are Not Allowed Under CARES Act.

Senator Casey: Hours Reductions are Not Allowed Under CARES Act.

Jun 10, 2020 | American, COVID, Front Page, Hawaiian, MNPL, Organizing, Philippine, Spirit, Uncategorized, United | 1 comment

Senator Casey: “Reducing workers’ hours without their consent reduces workers’ paychecks in the same way that reducing workers’ rate of pay would.”

 

This week, Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called on Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin to issue clear guidance to airlines and industry lobbyists stating that cutting the pay and benefits of airline workers violates the CARES Act, even if those cuts come by way of furloughing full-time workers to part-time. Senator Casey is a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, which played a major role in drafting the bill. 

Senator Casey said the clear intent of the CARES Act, which delivered billions of taxpayer dollars to airlines, was “specifically to protect the jobs and livelihoods of workers in the airline industry,” and that airlines could not reduce the pay of their workers after accepting relief funds.  Further, Senator Casey said in the letter that reducing full-time workers to part-time reduces their pay and benefits, despite leaving pay rates intact. 

“I write to express my concern that multiple air carriers have threatened to or are currently involuntarily reducing the hours of employees despite receiving payroll support under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act,” Senator Casey said in the letter. “In passing this legislation, Congress made clear its intention that any air carrier receiving assistance must agree to maintain payroll and not cut employee compensation. I urge you to immediately issue guidance that makes clear that unilateral and involuntary reductions in employee hours are prohibited under the CARES Act.” 

Senator Casey also sent letters to the CEOs of United, jetBlue, and Delta, and to Airlines for America, the lead lobbying group for US air carriers, putting industry executives and lobbyists on notice about the importance of following the law and respecting workers.  

A growing number of lawmakers involved in creating the CARES Act have written to the CEOs of major airlines following a scheme by United Airlines executives to take billions in relief funds intended to cover payrolls – and then cut payrolls while keeping the money. United Executive Vice President Greg Hart tried to defend the move and said the furloughs weren’t really pay cuts because pay rates would remain the same. Senator Casey, who has a legislative record promoting economic security for working families, showed little patience for such word games. 

“This is in clear violation of Congress’ intent and should not be undertaken by any air carriers accepting federal assistance,” Senator Casey said. 

“Congress’ intent that air carriers use this assistance to fully protect workers’ compensation and employment was clear,” he wrote. 

IAMAW District Legislative Director David Roderick praised the actions of Senator Casey and other lawmakers who have come forward in defense of working families in the airline industry over the past two months. “Senator Casey is a true friend for airline workers. He’s been a trusted ally and strong voice for airline safety and the fair treatment of airline employees and passengers for years.” 

Read the full statement by Senator Casey Here >>

Do you live in Pennsylvania?

Lawmakers need to know that we appreciate their help. If you are a constituent of Senator Bob Casey, please take a second to let him know that our union values his assist.

Send Senator Bob Casey a message

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What do YOU Think?

Do you feel that furloughs before October 1st are a violation of the CARES Act…

…even if they are only furloughing full-time agents to part-time?

 

Rep. Crenshaw: United Must “Live Up to its Obligations”

Rep. Crenshaw: United Must “Live Up to its Obligations”

Jun 3, 2020 | COVID, Featured News, Front Page, Home, Home, MNPL, Row 2, United | 1 comment

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Another lawmaker has voiced support for the unionized ramp and customer service agents at United Airlines as they continue to push back against proposed furloughs at the airline. This week, Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-Tx), issued a statement calling on United to “live up to its obligations” and abide by the rules of the CARES Act.

Congressman Dan Crenshaw, who serves the people of the 2nd Congressional District of Texas in the House of Representatives, responded to a constituent who contacted him after United Airlines announced cuts in the hours of work for over 16,000 airport and call center employees. In a letter, Rep. Crenshaw wrote: “I voted for the CARES Act because I understand the importance of sustaining our airline workforce during this difficult time.”

As a member of the House Budget Committee, Rep. Crenshaw helps craft the annual budget resolution which determines funding policies for the federal government. A former United States Navy SEAL and a member of the Republican Party, he was elected to Congress in 2018 on a platform that called for getting the country on a path towards “responsible spending.” In his letter, the congressman emphasized the safeguards Congress put in the CARES Act to ensure the proper use of funds and said, “This bill included accountability measures, and it is important for every entity that receives public funding to live up to its obligations.”

The largest of three major bills from Congress to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the CARES Act provided $25 billion in relief funding for airlines to keep employees on the payroll.

Members of Congress like Crenshaw interact with airline employees during their frequent trips between their home districts and Washington, DC. He praised United employees in his letter and wrote, “You have kept our nation running, and it is uplifting to see the dedication on the frontlines.” The congressman pledged to “continue to focus on ensuring funds are spent as intended as the industry recovers and that safety measures are implemented to protect both workers and travelers.”

Read the full statement from Rep. Crenshaw here >>

Do you live in the Houston area?

Lawmakers need to know that we appreciate their help. If you are a constituent of Congressman Dan Crenshaw, please take a second to let him know that our union values his assist.

Send Congressman Crenshaw a message

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What do YOU Think?

Lawmakers are calling on airlines to fulfill the obligations they made to taxpayers and employees like us. How would you rate the job your airline has done so far?

 

Who’s Minding the Store?

Who’s Minding the Store?

May 31, 2020 | Front Page, MNPL, Uncategorized | 0 comments

Congress demands better accountability from the Treasury Department in the administration of airline relief funds from the $2 Trillion CARES Act. 

On May 1st, federal lawmakers began receiving emails and calls from airline employees following United Airlines’ announcement that, despite having received $5 Billion in federal COVID relief aid through the CARES Act, they were involuntarily reducing the scheduled hours of work for over 16,000 airport and call center employees. The response from Congress was swift and bi-partisan. A US Senator and several House representatives sent stern warnings to United’s CEO about possible repercussions if the airline moved ahead with plans to cut paychecks after receiving federal funds intended to protect employee payroll.

After District 141 of the Machinists Union filed a lawsuit in federal court, United reversed that decision but went ahead with a plan to involuntarily furlough up to 30% of their workforce in management and administration. The Senate Minority Leader, Charles Schumer (D-NY), highlighted the oversight of CARES funds in a letter on May 7th to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) co-signed the letter urging Secretary Mnuchin to “issue guidance clarifying that unilateral decisions to reduce workers’ hours, and as a result their pay or benefits, are prohibited activities under the CARES Act.” 

Delta and jetBlue have imposed cuts to the scheduled hours of work of their mostly non-union workforce, which also prompted 13 Senators to send letters to the CEOs of those two carriers. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) was joined by colleagues writing that “Section 4114 of the CARES Act is intended to protect workers and maintain their pay and benefits.” The Senators acknowledged that United has reversed the decision to cut their employees’ pay and said: “You should do the same.” They are asking jetBlue and Delta executives for an explanation of the process they followed to force the furloughs and to justify their stated position that payroll cuts are in compliance with the law. The Senators are requesting a response from the CEOs by June 3, 2020.

The activism of District 141 members does not only benefit them. “When we advocate for non-union workers at Delta and jetBlue, we raise everyone’s voice,” said Frank Giannola, District 141 Director of Organizing. He added, “The workers who want a union at jetBlue and Delta need us to speak for them too.” Organizers from the IAM are working with activists at jetBlue and Delta and support their rights to organize and form a union.

As they prepare to consider another round of federal aid to address the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic, many members of Congress are concerned about the proper administration and oversight of relief funds.

On Tuesday, May 26, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin testified before the Senate’s Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. His statements got the attention of Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), who co-wrote a letter to the Secretary with Rep. ‘Chuy’ Garcia (D-IL) and Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA). In that letter, they ask if the Treasury Department provided any guidance to airlines on the administration of CARES Act funds, and call for more transparency and better oversight for billions of taxpayer dollars. The letter was co-signed by another 71 members of Congress, representing California, Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, Florida, Minnesota, Arizona, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.          

District 141 Legislative Director Dave Roderick lives in Rep. Schackowsky’s district in Chicago and was pleased to see how the grassroots work of so many IAM members earned the support of a large and diverse group of lawmakers. “Both Republicans and Democrats know very well how important reliable air transportation and good union jobs are to our nation’s economy,” he said. “And they also know Machinists Union members vote, so when they hear from us in large numbers, they act.”

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Machinists Union to Delta and JetBlue: You Are Not Above the Law

Machinists Union to Delta and JetBlue: You Are Not Above the Law

May 21, 2020 | Airlines, COVID, Featured, Featured News, Front Page, Home, Home, MNPL, United | 0 comments

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2020 — The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today reiterated its demand that Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways restore workers’ pay and benefits. Delta and JetBlue combined have accepted approximately $6.5 billion under the CARES Act in taxpayer-funded airline bailout money intended to maintain workers’ jobs, pay and benefits until at least Sept. 30, 2020.
Earlier this month, the IAM filed a federal lawsuit against United Airlines after the carrier announced similar plans to reduce all full-time ground workers’ hours, which would have reduced their pay and benefits. United then reversed course and suspended its plan.
“Delta and JetBlue may not have reduced hourly pay rates, but they did reduce weekly, monthly and yearly pay rates, just as United tried to do,” said IAM General Vice President Sito Pantoja. “The undeniable result is workers are involuntarily taking home less money to support their families. A pay cut is a pay cut.”
Both Delta and JetBlue applied for and received taxpayer funds under the Payroll Support Program component of the CARES Act, which required airlines to maintain workers’ jobs, pay and benefits as a condition of taking the funds.
In letters to the CEOs of Delta and JetBlue, 13 Senators led by Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) wrote, “Your workers supported relief for airlines on the condition that their jobs, pay, and benefits would be protected. On April 23, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers wrote you a letter opposing your mandatory time off policy, and noting that, ‘The IAM, along with the all the other AFL-CIO affiliated transportation unions, and Delta JetBlue workers, fought for the federal stimulus to protect airline workers and save the airline industry from the ravages of the novel coronavirus pandemic,’ but that your company is ‘using that good faith support of airline workers around the country and at every carrier to [undermine the interest of your own workforces].’”
“We called on Delta and JetBlue to reverse course over three weeks ago and they have thumbed their noses at their employees, Congress, and American taxpayers,” continued Pantoja. “Delta and JetBlue are not above the law and should immediately restore their workers’ pay and benefits as required under the CARES Act.”
A Slow but Steady Airline Recovery is Happening

A Slow but Steady Airline Recovery is Happening

May 20, 2020 | Airlines, American, COVID, Featured, Featured News, Front Page, Home, Home, MNPL, Uncategorized, United | 1 comment

Shares of several airlines have seen a sharp increase in value over the past week, as more travelers begin a slow return, prompting carriers to add more routes and flights to their schedules. While overall demand remains at critical levels, we now have the first clear evidence that the airline industry is beginning to heal from the COVID pandemic. 

In March, Congress approved $50 Billion in aid to airlines, to preserve the highly-trained (and difficult to replace) commercial aviation workforce. Congress also hoped to protect the larger civil aviation networks that provide life-sustaining economic connections throughout the American economy. 

All major airlines have warned that absent another round of help from Congress, America will have a much smaller capacity for air transport and travel. Further, if the direst warnings coming from industry insiders are borne out, the American economy could lose more than a third of the entire civil aviation workforce in the space of just a few weeks starting in October.

Such a massive reduction in jobs would not only cripple any recovery this fall but would also have catastrophic ripple effects throughout the rest of the economy, as businesses that depend on airlines and air shipping lose access to critical parts of their business.

Last week, the industry got a few hopeful signs that air travel would return. United, American, and Delta are filling planes, and are considering adding back flights. Currently, airlines are only operating at certain times of the day, in schedules called “banks.” United and American have both reported that they are bringing back a few banks in select hubs that were stopped due to low demand. The latest round of inevitable social media outrage saw shocked Tweets revealing images of airplanes full of passengers. This may have horrified the Twittersphere, but it was cause for celebration for everyone that depends on air travel. Figuring out how to handle too many passengers is a good problem for airlines to have right now.

Along with passengers, investors are also starting to come back.

Shares of United Airlines Holdings Inc. were up 2% in premarket trading on Tuesday, extending a larger 21% rally for the week. The posting represents the largest gains since the COVID pandemic began hitting airlines two months ago.

United reported modest improvement and reduced cancellations during the second quarter, improvements that the company expects to continue through July.

American Airlines experienced a brief 9.2% surge last week, led by upbeat new data from TSA that indicates an increase in travel demand. That report detailed an uptick in passengers overall, showing an average of 205,010 passengers a day going through TSA security checkpoints. This is the fourth straight week that the agency reported an increase.

Overall air traffic is down more than 91% from last year, according to the TSA reports.

The largest transportation and aerospace union in the US is the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which includes tens of thousands of airline personnel. IAMAW District President Mike Klemm warned the 38,000 members of District 141 that investor support and passenger demand might not return fast enough to prevent job losses in October.

“To be perfectly clear, if demand for air travel does not rebound before September 30, 2020, there likely will be furloughs at every single US-based airline,” Klemm said while promising that the union would prevent involuntary furloughs that violate union contracts and the terms of the CARES Act. IAMAW ramp and customer service workers successfully fought back a plan by United to force furloughs after accepting $5 billion in taxpayer money intended to prevent job losses. 

The union is also proposing several cost-cutting measures to United, including ways to incentivize early retirement through medical bridges. These voluntary measures, along with increased demand for air travel, are welcome signs. 

However, IAMAW District Legislative Director Dave Roderick is also suggesting that the union stay in constant contact with lawmakers. “We need to stay in the conversation,” Roderick said. “We need to make sure that our members of Congress understand the facts from the union perspective, which is the side that clocks in and out every day to put food on the table. We can’t afford to be passive at this moment. We need to stay engaged, and do whatever we can to impress on lawmakers the importance of passing another assistance package before October,” Roderick said.

 

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