District 141 MNPL Director offers several updates on efforts by the IAMAW to support airline workers through legislation and public policy through the COVID-19 Crisis.
District 141 has just been informed that United Airlines, in an effort to reduce the risk of possible transmission of any virus to our agents who interact with customers, will be installing personal barriers made of Plexiglas in the areas where our agents are most vulnerable.
The following test locations have been chosen based on flight schedule: IAD, ORD, SFO, LAX, DFW, PDX, and MCO. Twenty (20) podium guards and two (2) gate reader guards will be overnighted to each location and installed tomorrow. DEN will have its guards in place today, as they don’t need to be shipped.
Once in place, the company will immediately look for feedback on the effectiveness of the guards. When a decision is reached the company will start ordering the guards for all remaining stations. They will advise us of the rollout schedule as the guards are being manufactured. The company said they would like a test phase that enables them to get good feedback while still being able to expedite the process of installation.
The company has begun temperature checks for employees prior to starting their shift. EWR, LGA, MSY, IAH and SFO Base have started. Other locations will be coming online as they get the procedures and staff in place to ensure everyone’s safety. You will be receiving information from your specific locations station leadership prior to it being implemented. When the District is informed of stations beginning more checks we will post it.
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. brings members up to date on the union’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resources available to the membership.
After unions called on authorities to bring down the cost of parking at Houstons’ airports during the COVID-19 outbreak, Airport Commissioner Mario Diaz announced that free parking passes would be issued for airport workers.
Victor Hernandez, Assistant General Chairperson from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 141, said, “Our employees park remotely and have to take a bus to the terminal, but these buses are packed like sardines. It is nearly impossible to practice social distancing. Our union asked the city of Houston and Houston airport system to make airport terminal parking available to airport workers at no or low cost, and after weeks of advocacy they listened.”
Hernandez and other Union activists in Houston were able to secure hundreds of free parking passes for airline workers, preventing thousands of dollars in fees. More importantly, it will make the commute to work safer for everyone, including those who do not end up using the passes, since the remaining workers will come to work in busses that are much less crowded.
“Airport workers would like to express appreciation to Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Houston airport system director Mario Diaz, and Ian Wadsworth, Chief Commercial Officer of the Houston airport system, for their support,” said Hernandez.
Hernandez and the International Association of Machinists led the advocacy effort for workers at the airport, with support from the Texas Gulf Coast area labor Federation.
Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation Executive Director Hany Khalil said, “this is a great win for the working people keeping Houston’s airports running. Having a union gives workers a voice to speak up for safety protections on the job and protect public health. But it’s just a start. Working families need the city of Houston to adopt bold measures to protect the health of workers and critical industries and provide relief to workers who have lost jobs and hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
District 141 President Mike Klemm also praised the union in Houston, saying, “This work could not have been done by a single person. This is the kind of effort that can only be done in union with other people that share our same goals. This is one more example of outstanding leadership from our front-line sector. I applaud the women and men of Local Lodges 2198 and 811 for getting this done.”
Our Union is facing the COVID-19 Pandemic together. Everyone is pitching in. Nobody can do it alone. Share the hard work that your local lodge, membership, and committees are doing to help protect airline workers and passengers through this crisis.
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news that one of our own, Carlos Consuegra, a Ramp Services Agent at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, passed away from complications related to COVID-19.
Our Brother Carlos was a 12-year veteran at United Airlines who loved his job because it allowed him to travel, something he enjoyed. His daughter Kay described him as a devoted father and a huge sports fan who loved playing and coaching baseball and softball. He also enjoyed singing and karaoke and often took his parents on trips to visit family and close friends. Members of Local 914 remember him as a generous co-worker always willing to share his knowledge with younger members of his team.
Our union family joins his two children, three grandchildren, eight siblings, his parents and his partner in their sorrow. We are doing our best to comfort the family under these difficult circumstances.
Carlos’s passing is a blow to all of us who are facing this unprecedented challenge to our industry and our nation from the front lines. We are in mourning, but this sadness will only strengthen our fight for better protections at work, wider availability of testing and a stronger call to everyone in our communities to do their part to stop the spread of this deadly virus. We must all work harder so we do not have to experience more tragedies like this.
Rest in Peace, Brother Carlos.
In Solidarity,
Mike Klemm
President and Directing General Chair
District 141, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
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