Airlines Call For End to Mask Mandates

Airlines Call For End to Mask Mandates

Mar 24, 2022 | COVID, Front Page, MNPL, Page Five, Page Three, Page Two

Airlines Call For End to Mask Mandates

Legislation
24 March 2022

Ten airlines and air cargo carriers are asking President Joe Biden to lift Federal mask mandates for travelers. They are also calling for an end to testing requirements for international travel.

In a joint statement, the airlines argued that the mandates are no longer necessary and create an ongoing burden for airlines.

“The high level of immunity in the U.S., availability of high-quality masks for those who wish to use them, hospital-grade cabin air, widespread vaccine availability, and newly available therapeutics provide a strong foundation for the Administration to lift the mask mandate and predeparture testing requirements,” the statement read. 

The letter was jointly signed by the CEOs of Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Atlas Air Worldwide, Delta Air Lines, FedEx Express, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and UPS Airlines.

The letter also argues that those who wish to continue wearing masks are free to do so. 

Masking mandates were scheduled to end on March 18 but were extended amid ongoing surges and new, more transmissible variants. The issue will be reviewed on 18 April, when the Administration will decide whether or not to extend the mandate or allow it to expire. 

“It is critical to recognize that the burden of enforcing both the mask and predeparture testing requirements has fallen on our employees for two years now,” the statement read. “This is not a function they are trained to perform and subjects them to daily challenges by frustrated customers. This in turn takes a toll on their own well-being,” it continued. 

According to industry studies from airline unions, mask mandates have led to more than 4,000 attacks on airline employees tasked with enforcing Federal rules. In 2021, there were more than 5,500 incidents reported by airline workers. There were typically only about one to two hundred such attacks before the pandemic. In about 40% of these cases, airline managers and police did not follow up abuse with serious consequences. About 70% of air rage attacks happen as airline workers attempt to enforce federal masking mandates. 

You can read the entire statement here.

 

Motion on the Floor: Should Federal Mask Mandates for Airlines Be Lifted?

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United Airlines Safety Bulletin

United Airlines Safety Bulletin

Mar 18, 2022 | Front Page, Page Five, Page Four, Page Two, Row 2, Safety, United

GSAP Event Review Committee (ERC) team members

Rachel Shultz – Management AO
Ashley Maddox – Management AO
William Salo – IAM District 141
Brian Leifker – IAM District 141
John Woodring – FAA
David Lilja – Program Mgr/Sr. Analyst

 ERC upcoming events 

 The ERC meets Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Ground Safety Action Program News is cooperatively published by United Airlines, IAM, and the FAA. The Ground Safety Action Program (GSAP) is a joint partnership designed to improve the safety of United’s operations by offering the IAM, management, and administrative employees the ability to report safety concerns and/or self-disclose inadvertent Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) and company policy violations.

 Feedback welcome!

margaret.shultz@united.com marlon.garciasuarez@united.com
david.lilja@united.com 

File a GSAP at ASAP.UAL.COM OR call the GSAP Hotline at 844-280-ASAP

Scan me to download the My Safety App to your smartphone

My Safety App (MSA): Available now!

We’re excited to introduce the My Safety app (MSA) – a mobile solution for Safety reporting available to AO frontline employees and M&A employees across the company.

MSA is available across all mobile platforms, including MAP devices, TC75 handheld scanners, and all personal mobile devices.

The app provides a user-friendly experience for the submission of GSAP and AO IOR reports directly from your work or personal mobile device. Airport Operations Safety listened to your feedback about the limitations and frustrations associated with the completion of safety reports on desktop computers. We addressed this feedback by partnering with the Digital Technology team to bring mobile safety reporting to the Airport Ops team.

The app was designed from the ground up, using feedback from CS, Ramp, MoveTeam, and IAM union leaders. The same groups were involved in testing the mobile app to ensure proper functionality. Some of the exciting features of the app include voice dictation and photo and video attachments. ETQ (the web-based tool you’ve traditionally accessed through Flying Together) or asap.ual.com will remain fully functional to users and will continue to serve as the database for safety reports.

Employees may file new reports or access old reports on the desktop platform or via the new mobile app.

As a reminder, the use of hand-held electronic devices while operating any motorized vehicle is strictly prohibited.

Get printable copy

Ground Safety Action Program News is cooperatively published by United Airlines, IAM, and the FAA. The Ground Safety Action Program (GSAP) is a joint partnership designed to improve the safety of United’s operations by offering the IAM, management, and administrative employees the ability to report safety concerns and/or self-disclose inadvertent Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) and company policy violations.

Your feedback is welcome:

adam.carter@united.com

NLC@united.com

 

File a GSAP at ASAP.UAL.COM OR call the GSAP Hotline at 844-280-ASAP

Scan me to download the My Safety App to your smartphone

14 CFR Part 5 Requirement

Thank you for doing your part in creating a safer environment and helping United comply with 14 CFR Part 5, which requires employees of every Part 121 carrier to communicate hazards and/ safety concerns they identify at work. Your reporting has led to many improvements to policies and procedures, and much-needed technology updates. Keep up the good work!

Current NLC items under review by the Safety Review Committee

1. Flights Departing without Final Weights

Current phase: Investigation

Updated 2/25/22

Flights Departing without Final Weights have been reported and are being processed through the Flight Operations Safety Action Program (FSAP) along with a review by United’s FAA Principal Operations Inspectors (POI) for resolution.

2. PRC Weight Change Errors

Current phase: HI Draft Updated 3/1/22

As a result of multiple GSAP reports related to ATW Weight Changes, AO Safety is currently drafting a passenger weight error discrepancy Hazard ID. The goal of the Hazard Identification is to take a closer look at the errors and determine appropriate mitigations such as adding controls or technology that may help alleviate passenger weight change errors.

3. Difficulty Contacting Stations

Current phase: Project Planning Updated 3/1/22

Both GSAP and DSAP reports have identified occasions where contact information for stations is inaccurate or unavailable. As a result, a project team of subject matter experts is currently looking at a replacement for, or a rebuild of the AGH and Airport Database that is more accurate. The team will also create a process to correct station information in a timely manner. In the meantime, a quarterly audit of the AGH is being conducted to ensure the phone data is updated appropriately.

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Guide Dogs of America Facility Welcomes Leaders from Locals 1781, 1782 & Dist. 141

Guide Dogs of America Facility Welcomes Leaders from Locals 1781, 1782 & Dist. 141

Mar 16, 2022 | Community Service, Front Page, Page Five, Page Four, Page Three, Page Two, Row 2, Transportation Territory

Guide Dogs of America Facility Welcomes Leaders from Locals 1781, 1782 & Dist. 141

Transportation Newswire
16 March 2022

IAM Local 1781 and 1782 (District 141) members went on a private tour of the Sylmar, Ca. training facility for Guide Dogs of America / Tender Loving Canines.

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IAM Local 1781 and 1782 (District 141) members went on a private tour of the Sylmar, Ca. training facility for Guide Dogs of America / Tender Loving Canines (GDA/TLC). Members went to the facility to learn more about GDA/TLC, and exactly what it is the IAM’s charity of choice does.
 
“We learned how the dogs are raised start to finish, got a better insight and perspective of what they do, how they involve the community, and assist our members in need,” said Local 1781 President Tony Parker. “We are learning as much as possible so that we can go back and let our members know how important it is to support local charities and upcoming fundraisers for GDA/TLC.”
 
“To show what this facility means to our members, being here to see what they do, so that we can go back and hold fundraisers,” said Local 1782 President Wendy Goodell. “Because we want to raise money to help this wonderful program that in turn helps lots of people.”
 
Members got to experience all the program has to offer, from the breeding program, training program, to placing service dogs to those in need, as well as blindfold walks without vision, with a dog.
 
“It’s great both of these locals making the trip to see and learn firsthand all the resources that goes into raising a future guide dog,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “My thanks to all involved for learning more about this important facility and the invaluable work that they do.”
 
In preparation for the Locals’ upcoming membership celebrations, both Lodges will be holding a GDA/TLC fundraiser on July 23.
 
Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines provides service dogs for people who are blind/visually impaired, veterans, children with autism, and facilities to become trusted companions that bring confidence, independence, and mobility. Their services are provided free of charge to residents in the U.S. and Canada.

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JetBlue Crewmembers: Union Job Protection Can’t Come Soon Enough

JetBlue Crewmembers: Union Job Protection Can’t Come Soon Enough

Mar 15, 2022 | Front Page, JetBlue, Organizing, Page Four, Page Three, Page Two, Perusals, Row 2

JetBlue Crewmembers: Union Job Protection Can’t Come Soon Enough

Justice at JetBlue
15 March 2022

Last week, CEO Robin Hayes wrote to JetBlue employees saying surging fuel prices threaten the airline industry’s recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic. He is correct.

Read the Letter from CEO Robin Hayes

CEO Hayes also stated how JetBlue workers could step up and help out during this time, which is reasonable. He claimed that airline executives would scale down JetBlue’s schedule due to higher fuel prices making specific routes unprofitable. Realistic.

Everyone, including the IAM, wants to see JetBlue be successful. But, how can we protect ourselves during these very uncertain times? What if the financial situation in our industry gets so bad that JetBlue has to declare bankruptcy?

Many airline analysts are forecasting airline bankruptcies. Alarmingly, JetBlue’s poor management style has earned it the dubious title of “worst airline” in America for a range of management failures. What if the industry’s financial condition gets so bad that mergers/acquisitions are the only way the airline can survive? History has shown that airline mergers and acquisitions are more likely to happen during industry downturns. They are also more likely to occur to mismanaged airlines that cannot handle basic scheduling logistics. 

Joining a union is the best way to protect ourselves. Why? Airlines MUST NEGOTIATE with employee unions during the bankruptcy process, and workers have a voice in the outcome. During mergers, airlines are legally required to negotiate seniority rights, wages, benefits, and working conditions with unions. In short, if the worst happens, then having union representation benefits us.

While we hope our industry can make it through these uncertain times, we need to prepare for the alternative. Hoping is not enough. Having IAM representation would go a long way to ensuring that our interests are represented no matter what happens.

 

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IAM Files for Representation Election for 350 Swissport Workers

IAM Files for Representation Election for 350 Swissport Workers

Mar 8, 2022 | Front Page, Organizing, Page Five, Page Three, Page Two, Perusals, Row 2

IAM Files for Representation Election for 350 Swissport Workers

Organizing
8 March 2022

The IAM this morning filed a petition at the National Labor Relation Board (NLRB) in Newark, NJ, to represent approximately 350 Swissport cargo workers. The workers employed at the Newark Liberty Airport facility have sought IAM representation for almost three years.

“I’d like to congratulate the Swissport workers on filing for an election,” said IAM District 141 President and Directing General Chairman Mike Klemm. “It’s been a long road. I truly admire the resolve of these workers and look forward to them joining the IAM family.”

“Membership Services Director Frank Giannola has provided the leadership and support Swissport workers have needed to bring this campaign to a vote,” continued Klemm. “His team of District 141 Educators which include Carmelo Benedicto and James Wells worked hard to keep this campaign alive and never gave up on these workers.” Throughout this process, the Machinists Union Transportation Department under Chief of Staff Richie Johnsen has been an invaluable resource. Along with unwavering help from James Carlson, Assistant Airline Coordinator at the IAM, we are reaching more workers with a pro-union message, demonstrating the value of collective bargaining to a new generation of working people.  

After failing to obtain an election in 2019, the Swissport workers answered the bell during the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping goods and services flowing during the most tumultuous period in airline industry history. And then, in 2021, they recommitted to their campaign for IAM representation.

“I am very happy for the Swissport workers. They have exhibited courage and a steadfast commitment to gaining collective bargaining rights,” said Frank Giannola. “We will see this campaign through with a Yes vote and a strong first contract.” 

The NLRB will now review the representation petition, and IAM union leadership expects Swissport workers to deliver a final vote soon.

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Machinists Union: Federal ‘Buy American’ Expansion Is Long Overdue

Machinists Union: Federal ‘Buy American’ Expansion Is Long Overdue

Mar 7, 2022 | Front Page, GOIAM Stories, MNPL, Page Four, Page Three, Page Two, Perusals, Row 2

Machinists Union: President Biden’s Historic ‘Buy American’ Expansion Answers Decades-Long Calls from U.S. Workers

GOIAM.org
7 March 2022

“The Machinists Union has championed and called for an expansion of ‘Buy American’ domestic content requirements for decades. Today’s announcement is further proof that in President Biden, we finally have a champion for U.S. workers in the White House.”

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2022 – Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace, the largest aerospace and defense labor union in North America, released the following statement regarding President Biden’s expansion of “Buy American”:

“The Machinists Union has championed and called for an expansion of ‘Buy American’ domestic content requirements for decades. Today’s announcement is further proof that in President Biden, we finally have a champion for U.S. workers in the White House.

“Today’s announcement makes real what we have been saying all along—that ‘Made in America’ should mean ‘Made in America.’ In fact, the Machinists Union, along with U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, championed an amendment to the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act that would have made a similar ‘Buy American’ threshold increase for defense products. That bipartisan amendment passed the House before being defeated by corporate-backed politicians in the Senate.

“The Biden administration is now applying that rule—that any product stamped with ‘Made in America’ should have 75% of its value come from parts made here in the United States—to all products purchased with taxpayer dollars by 2029.

“This is critical for our domestic supply chains. It is music to the ears of American workers. It puts our tax dollars toward buying the best products made by the best workers. And it will finally make a real difference toward bringing back U.S. jobs that have been sent out of the country by bad trade deals and corporate greed.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Biden administration and the Made in America Office for hearing our call and the calls of millions of Americans. Let’s build the future right here in America.”

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of the largest and most diverse industrial trade unions in North America, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, manufacturing, transit, healthcare, automotive and other industries.

 

goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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