United Negotiations Update

United Negotiations Update

United Contract Negotiations Update

8 October 2024

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Your IAM District 141 negotiating team and United Airlines management continued contract negotiations for seven different contracts last week in Chicago, Illinois. The District 141 subcommittees for the Central Load Planner and Maintenance Instructor contracts were also present and engaged in negotiations covering items specific to those two Collective Bargaining Agreements.

The Central Load Planner sub-committee reached several tentative agreements (TAs) that covered memorializing the Charter Desk position, description, and qualifications. We also reached TAs in regard to Charter Desk Premium, more favorable language for our members in regards to mandatory overtime, and improved language when it comes to our CLP member’s restrictions on buying an extra week of vacation. We continued discussions on Article 4 pertaining to overtime rules and Article 5 vacation rules.

We made significant progress on our Maintenance Instructor (MI) contract. Reaching several TAs on Articles One, Seven, Ten, and Eleven. These TAs will add two locations and increase the amount of time our MIs have to report. We tentatively agreed to better language surrounding the upgrade plan and also improved language surrounding international override. We also proposed changes to member-driven requests to improve Article Four. We are awaiting the company’s response to these proposals.

Negotiations resumed for the Passenger Service and Fleet Service Agreements, as well. We continued to have a very spirited dialogue regarding temporary assignments.

We also had some needed discussions about Article Four. Specifically, we discussed shift bidding, relief, and preferencing, which were some of the most important topics to our front-line membership.

We will return to the negotiating table the week of 18 November, when the sub-committees from the Fleet Technical Instructor contract will join us.

Remember IAM WORKERS LEAD THE WAY.

In solidarity,

Your Negotiating Committee
Olu Ajetomobi
Joe Bartz
Jill Hazamy
Victor Hernandez
Barb Martin
Terry Stansbury
Faysal Silwany
Erik Stenberg
Sue Weisner

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.

Honoring the Legacy of Ken Thiede

Honoring the Legacy of Ken Thiede

Honoring the Legacy of Ken Thiede

Honoring the Legacy of Ken Thiede

IAM141.org

Local Lodge 1487 will be renamed in Honor of retired District President Ken Thiede.

In a moving ceremony, Local President Tony Licciardi announced that Local 1487 in Chicago will be renamed in honor of retired District President Ken Thiede. The announcement was made at a meeting of the Local 1487 Retirees Club.

“It is my honor, and my privilege, to present this plaque in honor of Ken,” said Local President Tony Licciardi. “Ken was a mentor, a loyal unionist, and a good friend,” he said.

General Vice President Richie Johnsen paid respects to Ken in a heartfelt address to the Local. “His impact on this industry is undeniable,” he said. “Everyone who does this kind of work owes him a debt of gratitude, and profound resepct.”

Thiede played a central role in improving the pay and working conditions of airline employees. Over the course of his 65 years of union activism, Thiede helped cement the Machinists Union at the forefront of the commercial aviation industry.

Thiede was a pivotal figure within the Machinists Union and was instrumental in improving the job conditions for union members in the commercial aviation industry.

During his tenure as District President, Ken helped negotiate a series of Union contracts that directly improved the pay, working conditions, and job security for thousands of airline workers. These contracts collectively forced the entire industry to improve by igniting a de-facto bidding war between airlines in their efforts to attract new employees.

Thiede’s leadership contributed to the professionalization of these roles, turning once grueling, temporary jobs into stable, career-oriented positions, greatly benefiting airline workers across the industry. Ken was at the forefront of union contracts that saw pay rates rise by a staggering 243% from the early 1990s to the year 2000. His efforts helped ensure that full-time positions became more common, with enhanced safety standards driven by stricter regulations and upgraded equipment.

His work helped turn what had been physically demanding and unstable jobs into lasting careers.

He served as a proud Unionist at Local Lodge 1487 since 1957, which was based in Des Plaines, Illinois, near Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Local Lodge 1487, based near ‘O’Hare, shared similar concerns and representation within the airline industry.

The memorial observance attracted a standing-room-only gathering of retirees, current members, and Machinists Union leadership from around the nation to Chicago. Present to pay respects to Ken was Richie Johnsen, General Vice President of the Air Transport Territory, Assistant General Chairmen Joe Bartz, Mike Quartuccio, Erik Stenberg, and retired District President Rich Delaney, among others.

A raffle in his memory raised funds that were donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

President of the Retiree Committee in Chicago, Dave Roderick, honored Ken’s memory alongside his wife of 61 years. “His loss was painful to all of us,” he said. “But, we can take solace in the knowledge that his work is finally done.”

 

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Honoring the Legacy of Ken Thiede

3 October 2024

Local Lodge 1487 will be renamed in Honor of retired District President Ken Thiede.

In a moving ceremony, Local President Tony Licciardi announced that Local 1487 in Chicago will be renamed in honor of retired District President Ken Thiede. The announcement was made at a meeting of the Local 1487 Retirees Club.

“Ken was a deeply inspiring to me personally, and served this district with distinction,” said current District President, Mike Klemm, who took a moment from contract negotiations to reflect on his legacy. “While we mourn his loss, we are also thankful that we had him,” he said.

“It is my honor, and my privilege, to present this plaque in honor of Ken,” said Local President Tony Licciardi. “Ken was a mentor, a loyal unionist, and a good friend,” he said.

General Vice President Richie Johnsen paid respects to Ken in a heartfelt address to the Local. “His impact on this industry is undeniable,” he said. “Everyone who does this kind of work owes him a debt of gratitude, and profound resepct.”

Thiede played a central role in improving the pay and working conditions of airline employees. Over the course of his 65 years of union activism, Thiede helped cement the Machinists Union at the forefront of the commercial aviation industry.

Thiede was a pivotal figure within the Machinists Union and was instrumental in improving the job conditions for union members in the commercial aviation industry.

During his tenure as District President, Ken helped negotiate a series of Union contracts that directly improved the pay, working conditions, and job security for thousands of airline workers. These contracts collectively forced the entire industry to improve by igniting a de-facto bidding war between airlines in their efforts to attract new employees.

Thiede’s leadership contributed to the professionalization of these roles, turning once grueling, temporary jobs into stable, career-oriented positions, greatly benefiting airline workers across the industry. Ken was at the forefront of union contracts that saw pay rates rise by a staggering 243% from the early 1990s to the year 2000. His efforts helped ensure that full-time positions became more common, with enhanced safety standards driven by stricter regulations and upgraded equipment.

His work helped turn what had been physically demanding and unstable jobs into lasting careers.

In a moving ceremony, Local President Tony Licciardi announced that Local 1487 in Chicago will be renamed in honor of retired District President Ken Thiede. The announcement was made at a meeting of the Local 1487 Retirees Club.

The memorial observance attracted a standing-room-only gathering of retirees, current members, and Machinists Union leadership from around the nation to Chicago. Present to pay respects to Ken was Richie Johnsen, General Vice President of the Air Transport Territory, Assistant General Chairmen Joe Bartz, Mike Quartuccio, Erik Stenberg, and retired District President Rich Delaney, among others.

A raffle in his memory raised funds that were donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

President of the Retiree Committee in Chicago, Dave Roderick, honored Ken’s memory alongside his wife of 61 years. “His loss was painful to all of us,” he said. “But, we can take solace in the knowledge that his work is finally done.”

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Celebrating Resilience and Faith: Chicago Local Holds Awareness Luncheon

Celebrating Resilience and Faith: Chicago Local Holds Awareness Luncheon

Celebrating Resiliance and Faith: Chicago Local Holds Awareness Luncheon

Vic Payne, Respected Union Leader and Community Advocate, Dies at 79

IAM141.org

Local 1487 Women’s Committee recently held its annual Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness luncheon at the Chicago Local Lodge on Wednesday. The luncheon drew a full house of attendees committed to raising awareness about breast cancer, heart health, and domestic violence. The event featured heart-healthy meals, emotional survivor stories, and captivating performances, including Kimberly Stratton’s moving gospel songs, “Favor Ain’t Fair” and “More Than Enough, which set the tone for an uplifting and reflective day. Shameeka Adams’ powerful spoken word performance further captivated the crowd, leaving a profound emotional impact.

Nicole Fears, a longtime advocate for women’s empowerment and cancer survivor, shared her own personal journey: “Acting early saved my life, and that’s the only reason I’m standing here today. When you go through something like this, every day becomes a blessing, Fears said, recalling her diagnosis with a rare form of cancer that was discovered because of her proactive approach to health screenings.

The importance of breast cancer awareness was a consistent theme throughout the event. With 264,000 women diagnosed and 42,000 losing their lives each year to the disease, early detection and routine screenings were emphasized as critical. Attendees were encouraged to prioritize their health through regular check-ups, a message that resonated deeply with April Burt, a survivor celebrating ten years of recovery. “I’m celebrating ten years of recovery, but I carry a sense of survivor’s remorse. I can’t help but think about the people who lost their battles and how hard they fought, Burt shared with the audience.

The luncheon, organized over four months by the Local 1487 Women’s Committee and a team of dedicated volunteers, highlighted the importance of education and community support in health advocacy. The efforts were made possible with the support of Local President Tony Licciardi and the 1487 Executive Board. Licciardi, in a candid and emotional talk, recounted his own experience with cancer. Having skipped screenings for just one year, he was diagnosed with Stage 2 cancer. “The wind got took out of my sails, he said, reflecting on the shock of the diagnosis. “Just go get checked, he urged the crowd, explaining that without early intervention, his story could have ended much differently. He left the luncheon early for his own annual check-up, further reinforcing the message of proactive health management.

The event also addressed another critical issue: domestic violence. Shelby Pratt, from the Chicago-based Wings Program,led an open and frank discussion about domestic violence, sharing alarming statistics. She revealed that the Chicago Police Department responds to an average of 500 domestic violence calls each day, adding up to more than 182,000 calls per year. “Nobody did anything to deserve domestic abuse, Pratt said, highlighting the importance of understanding and supporting survivors. The Wings Program provides essential housing and support services to victims of domestic violence, helping them rebuild their lives free from abuse. Pratt’s discussion empowered attendees to be advocates and allies for those in crisis.

Dora Cervantes, a survivor of multiple battles with cancer and Secretary-Treasurer of the Machinists Union, delivered a powerful personal story of her own battle with cancer, a fight that spanned years. “I’m not afraid of anything anymore,” she said. “Because I’ve beat cancer twice. I kicked cancer in its ass,” Cervantes said.

The Breast Cancer and Domestic Abuse and Domestic Violence Awareness luncheon provides a safe and nurturing place for women to share their personal stories of growth, survival, and faith. The event is organized and held each year and is sponsored by Local Lodge 1487. Machinists Union members in Chicago who would like to volunteer may contact any Local 1487 Women’s Committee member for more information.

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Celebrating Resilience and Faith: Chicago Local Holds Awareness Luncheon

2 October 2024

Local 1487 Women’s Committee recently held its annual Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness luncheon at the Chicago Local Lodge on Wednesday. The luncheon drew a full house of attendees committed to raising awareness about breast cancer, heart health, and domestic violence. The event featured heart-healthy meals, emotional survivor stories, and captivating performances, including Kimberly Stratton’s moving gospel songs, “Favor Ain’t Fair” and “More Than Enough, which set the tone for an uplifting and reflective day. Shameeka Adams’ powerful spoken word performance further captivated the crowd, leaving a profound emotional impact.

Nicole Fears, a longtime advocate for women’s empowerment and cancer survivor, shared her own personal journey: “Acting early saved my life, and that’s the only reason I’m standing here today. When you go through something like this, every day becomes a blessing, Fears said, recalling her diagnosis with a rare form of cancer that was discovered because of her proactive approach to health screenings.

The importance of breast cancer awareness was a consistent theme throughout the event. With 264,000 women diagnosed and 42,000 losing their lives each year to the disease, early detection and routine screenings were emphasized as critical. Attendees were encouraged to prioritize their health through regular check-ups, a message that resonated deeply with April Burt, a survivor celebrating ten years of recovery. “I’m celebrating ten years of recovery, but I carry a sense of survivor’s remorse. I can’t help but think about the people who lost their battles and how hard they fought, Burt shared with the audience.

The luncheon, organized over four months by the Local 1487 Women’s Committee and a team of dedicated volunteers, highlighted the importance of education and community support in health advocacy. The efforts were made possible with the support of Local President Tony Licciardi and the 1487 Executive Board. Licciardi, in a candid and emotional talk, recounted his own experience with cancer. Having skipped screenings for just one year, he was diagnosed with Stage 2 cancer. “The wind got took out of my sails, he said, reflecting on the shock of the diagnosis. “Just go get checked, he urged the crowd, explaining that without early intervention, his story could have ended much differently. He left the luncheon early for his own annual check-up, further reinforcing the message of proactive health management.

The event also addressed another critical issue: domestic violence. Shelby Pratt, from the Chicago-based Wings Program,led an open and frank discussion about domestic violence, sharing alarming statistics. She revealed that the Chicago Police Department responds to an average of 500 domestic violence calls each day, adding up to more than 182,000 calls per year. “Nobody did anything to deserve domestic abuse, Pratt said, highlighting the importance of understanding and supporting survivors. The Wings Program provides essential housing and support services to victims of domestic violence, helping them rebuild their lives free from abuse. Pratt’s discussion empowered attendees to be advocates and allies for those in crisis.

Abuse survivor Dora Garcia shared an emotional and poignant story of overcoming domestic violence and the journey she underwent to empower herself to start a new life free of fear and pain. Her courage and resilience left the attendees in tears, leaving a lasting impact on the women who had gathered for the event.

Dora Cervantes, a survivor of multiple battles with cancer and Secretary-Treasurer of the Machinists Union, delivered a powerful personal story of her own battle with cancer, a fight that spanned years. “I’m not afraid of anything anymore,” she said. “Because I’ve beat cancer twice. I kicked cancer in its ass,” Cervantes said.

The Breast Cancer and Domestic Abuse and Domestic Violence Awareness luncheon provides a safe and nurturing place for women to share their personal stories of growth, survival, and faith. The event is organized and held each year and is sponsored by Local Lodge 1487. Machinists Union members in Chicago who would like to volunteer may contact any Local 1487 Women’s Committee member for more information.

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Tentative Agreement at American Airlines Will Create Industry-Leading Wages.

Tentative Agreement at American Airlines Will Create Industry-Leading Wages.

Tentative Agreement at American Airlines Will Create Industry-Leading Wages.

23 September 2024

Dear Sisters and Brothers, By now, you’ve probably seen that your Association negotiating team and American Airlines reached a tentative agreement (TA) last week.

Over the weekend, we received a high number of inquiries that I will address in this communication.

First and foremost, this is a Tentative Agreement that must be voted on and ratified by the Association membership. The details of when that vote will take place are still being decided. When they are finalized, the Association will send out a communication.

If the majority of the Association members who vote do, in fact, vote in favor of the TA, the industry-leading wages will go into effect the first Monday after January 1, 2025. You will also receive 3% increases the first Monday after January 1, 2026, and 2027.

We reduced the pay scale by one year, so if ratified, all Association members will reach the top of the pay scale one year quicker.

For those members who serve as Crew Chiefs, your premium will be raised to $3.00 per hour.

If ratified, the new contract’s Amendable date will be June 26, 2027. Under Article 29/B/15/a/ii, our IAM members who chose to be in the PPO90/70 Legacy US Airway medical plan would no longer have that option on December 31 of the year the contract becomes Amendable. If ratified, that option will now be available to you until December 31, 2027, instead of 2025. Under Article 6/F/7, normal and customary catering work at CLT and PHL is covered and protected work under the current agreement up to one day before March 26, 2025.

If this TA is ratified, the protection of that work will be extended to one day before June 26, 2027.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to thank the Association negotiating team that is comprised of six TWU members, Brian Oyer, Michael Szwed, Jennifer Platt, Juan Elvira, Tim Hughes, and Kevin Sullivan, as well as 6 of our own IAM members, Mark Baskett, Billy Wilson, Pat Rezler, Rodney Walker, Todd Peck, and Mark Romonowski. If not for the vision and passion of these 12 individuals to come together and do what they felt was best for our members, which is to put our Association members back at the top of the industry for compensation with the ability to go right back into negotiations in less than two years we could never have reached this tentative agreement.

At the end of the day, it comes down to how the membership feels, and as always, you have the final say. As soon as the voting details are firmed up, the Association will share that information. 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.

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ken Thiede

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ken Thiede

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ken Thiede

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ken Thiede, a Lifelong Union Advocate, Mentor, and Visionary

IAM141.org

Ken Thiede, a beloved and respected leader in the Machinists Union, passed away peacefully on Thursday due to natural causes. He was 87. 

He leaves behind a rich legacy, having dedicated 65 years to union service and touching the lives of countless workers along the way.

Ken’s remarkable career was celebrated earlier this year at the June Retirees Club meeting at Chicago’s Local 1487. Friends, family, labor activists, and well-wishers gathered to honor his service to the Machinists Union, where he was presented with a 65-year service pin and certificate by Local President Tony Licciardi. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to stand up here today and recognize his lifetime of service,” Licciardi said at the ceremony.

Initiated into the IAM on March 29, 1957, Ken began his career at Capital Airlines and quickly rose to become a strong advocate for labor rights. Throughout his time in the union, Ken was involved in three pivotal airline industry strikes. One of the most notable was the 43-day strike in 1966, which grounded five major airlines and resulted in a 6% wage increase for workers. Ken continued to fight for the rights of his fellow union members during strikes in 1975 and 1978, each time helping secure better wages and benefits.

In his career, Ken filled numerous vital roles, including Recording Secretary and Grievance Committee member for Local 1487. In 1976, he became Assistant General Chair and later President and Directing General Chair of Machinists District 141 and District 141M, where he remained a powerful advocate for airline workers until his retirement in 2000.

Even in retirement, Ken remained deeply involved in the union. “Ken, I can’t thank you enough for all the support and guidance you’ve provided throughout the years,” said Local 1487 President Tony Licciardi. “Your involvement with our organization can’t be matched by anyone in our union.”

Ken Thiede will be remembered as a tireless advocate for workers’ rights and a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His legacy will live on through the generations of union members he inspired.

Ken’s legacy will be celebrated by Chicago Local 1487 with an October 3 gathering of retirees.

Ken is survived by his  wife of 61 years, Ellen, and his son Jim. He will join his beloved son Tom, who passed away in 1976.



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Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ken Thiede, a Lifelong Union Advocate, Mentor, and Visionary

16 September 2024

Ken Thiede, a beloved and respected leader in the Machinists Union, passed away peacefully on Thursday due to natural causes. He was 87. 

He leaves behind a rich legacy, having dedicated 65 years to union service and touching the lives of countless workers along the way.

Ken’s remarkable career was celebrated earlier this year at the June Retirees Club meeting at Chicago’s Local 1487. Friends, family, labor activists, and well-wishers gathered to honor his service to the Machinists Union, where he was presented with a 65-year service pin and certificate by Local President Tony Licciardi. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to stand up here today and recognize his lifetime of service,” Licciardi said at the ceremony.

Initiated into the IAM on March 29, 1957, Ken began his career at Capital Airlines and quickly rose to become a strong advocate for labor rights. Throughout his time in the union, Ken was involved in three pivotal airline industry strikes. One of the most notable was the 43-day strike in 1966, which grounded five major airlines and resulted in a 6% wage increase for workers. Ken continued to fight for the rights of his fellow union members during strikes in 1975 and 1978, each time helping secure better wages and benefits.

In his career, Ken filled numerous vital roles, including Recording Secretary and Grievance Committee member for Local 1487. In 1976, he became Assistant General Chair and later President and Directing General Chair of Machinists District 141 and District 141M, where he remained a powerful advocate for airline workers until his retirement in 2000.

Even in retirement, Ken remained deeply involved in the union. “Ken, I can’t thank you enough for all the support and guidance you’ve provided throughout the years,” said Local 1487 President Tony Licciardi. “Your involvement with our organization can’t be matched by anyone in our union.”

Ken Thiede will be remembered as a tireless advocate for workers’ rights and a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His legacy will live on through the generations of union members he inspired.

Ken’s legacy will be celebrated by Chicago Local 1487 with an October 3 gathering of retirees.

Ken is survived by his  wife of 61 years, Ellen, and his son Jim. He will join his beloved son Tom, who passed away in 1976.

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Association Update

Association Update

September 13, 2024 

To Association Fleet Sisters and Brothers,

The Association Fleet sub committee met with AA leadership on September 12th to discuss contractual issues unrelated to the economic extension proposals offered by management on August 27th and 28th.  Association leaders will meet on September 18th and 19th to receive what we believe to be a final economic presentation from American management. 

We know that expectations have been set by pundits on social media, but Association leaders are working to ensure that the wage proposals offered next week are consistent with the industry and ultimately, meet the approval of our members.

Please trust that we are moving through this process as quickly and precisely as possible.  Thank you for your continued support.

Fraternally,

Association Fleet Negotiations Committee

Recording Secretaries – Please print and post on all IAMAW Bulletin Boards. GET PRINTABLE COPY >>

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