Unified Airline Workers Gather in Nevada

Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the District 141 of the Machinists Union

Unified Airline Workers Gather in Nevada

11June 2024

LAS VEGAS – The 2024 Machinists Union District 141 Committee Conference kicked off today in Las Vegas, bringing together over 200 union activists, leaders, and grievance committee members from across the United States. The three-day event, which runs until Thursday, aims to network, share ideas, and hone skills as the union enforces 14 separate contracts across eight major companies in the airline industry.

“Your diversity is your strength, but your solidarity is your power,” Machinists Legislative Director Hasan Solomon told the union members assembled. Solomon, recently named one of the Top 500 most influential people on Capitol Hill, was one of the notable speakers.

The event opened with remarks from District 141 President and Directing General Chair Mike Klemm, who called the conference to order. “I want to express my deep gratitude and respect for the work our local grievance committees are doing on the front lines for our constituents,” Klemm stated. Vicky Schoening, President of Local Lodge 845 based in Las Vegas, also delivered opening remarks to the attendees representing workers at every major U.S. airport.

A key focus is the looming Section Six negotiations covering nearly 30,000 workers at United Airlines. President Klemm briefed the conference on the current state of labor in the airline industry as the union gears up for these pivotal contract talks. Other major topics included internal organizing, increasing union membership, and building solidarity.

Susie Martinez, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Nevada State AFL-CIO, also delivered remarks.

While the agenda was jam-packed with leadership workshops and strategy sessions, the overall tone was one of determination and emphasis on union solidarity. With representatives from United, American, Hawaiian, Philippines, Spirit Airlines, SMX Cargo, and Flagship Janitorial Services in attendance, the conference allows these disparate workgroups to unite around shared goals.

We have a quick favor to ask. If only 10% of union members sign up for regular donations to support important legislative and regulatory goals like this, we can put airline workers front and center on Capitol Hill. Becoming a recurring donor is more than a contribution—it’s a commitment to our cause and a testament to the power of collective action. Every donation helps, no matter the size.

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Machinists Union Applauds the Passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill

Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the District 141 of the Machinists Union

Machinists Union Applauds the Passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill

16 May 2024

WASHINGTON — The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, H.R. 3935, reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through 2028. This comprehensive bill, led by Representative Sam Graves (R-MO), covers airport planning, development, facilities, equipment, and operations. Key provisions include increasing air traffic controller hiring targets, creating a workforce development program for aviation professionals, and enhancing protections for airline workers. The bill has attracted widespread bipartisan support, reflecting its critical importance to the aviation industry.

IAM International President Brian Bryant emphasized the bill’s importance, stating, “While the bill, H.R. 3935, does not address all the IAM’s demands in an FAA reauthorization package, it does include several of our requested provisions and will ultimately help improve the safety and working conditions of our air transport members.”

The bill addresses a wide range of issues crucial to the aviation industry. It directs the FAA to hire and train more air traffic controllers to fill the current gap of 3,000 vacancies. It also mandates increased access to training simulators across air traffic control towers nationwide. To enhance runway safety, the bill requires the installation of additional runway technology at medium and large hub airports.

Passenger protections are also a significant focus of the legislation. The bill mandates that the Department of Transportation (DOT) establish standards to ensure the aircraft boarding and deplaning process is accessible for individuals with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs. Additionally, airlines are required to seat young children next to an accompanying adult without charging extra fees if adjacent seats are available.

The bill further enhances protections for airline workers by expanding legal protections to ground-based employees, such as gate and check-in agents, and improving self-defense training for flight attendants. Bryant noted, “This legislation offers some positive means to ensure the safety and well-being of workers and passengers. For instance, we’ve witnessed the increase in passenger attacks towards aviation workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve also witnessed the string of tragic accidents and fatalities of ramp workers like in April 2023 when an American Airlines’ ramp worker died while working on the tarmac at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas. Policy changes are needed and this FAA reauthorization legislation, while not perfect, offers many much-needed positive changes for passenger and worker safety and helps transform this vital industry into the future.”

It also includes provisions for increasing cockpit voice recording to 25 hours, enhancing oversight of aircraft production, and ensuring automatic cash refunds for canceled or substantially delayed flights.

The bill also provides for the establishment of an FAA Ombudsman to coordinate responses to issues related to aircraft certifications, pilot certificates, and operational approvals. The legislation also mandates a peer review of current aviation whistleblower protections and requires the FAA to work directly with the Department of Labor on whistleblower cases.

Now that the bill has passed in the House, it will head to President Joe Biden for his signature. Once signed into law, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act will provide the necessary framework and funding to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of the U.S. aviation industry through 2028.

Overall, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act aims to improve aviation safety, enhance protections for passengers and airline workers, and invest in airport and air travel infrastructure nationwide.

We have a quick favor to ask. If only 10% of union members sign up for regular donations to support important legislative and regulatory goals like this, we can put airline workers front and center on Capitol Hill. Becoming a recurring donor is more than a contribution—it’s a commitment to our cause and a testament to the power of collective action. Every donation helps, no matter the size.

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