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.

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

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

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

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

IAM141.org

Victor Claude Payne, a revered union leader and cherished community figure, passed away on September 20, 2024, following a long-term illness. He was 79.

Born on January 17, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Payne dedicated his life to service—both professionally and personally.

A graduate of Central High School’s class of 1963, he pursued higher education at Western Michigan University and Macomb County College. His career began at Wayne County Hospital in Eloise, Michigan, where he met his future wife, Lois Barnes Willis. They married on July 30, 1966, and shared 58 years together, raising two daughters, Natalie and Eugenia.

In 1966, he began working at United Airlines, a job he held for 42 years.

His commitment to workers’ rights led him to become deeply involved in union activism. He served as a Union Representative, quickly becoming a vital member of Local 141. His guidance and leadership led to a position on the Local 141 Grievance Committee. A skilled and determined defender of his coworkers, Vic became an Assistant General Chair and then Secretary-Treasurer of District 141 of the Machinists Union.

Payne was instrumental in advocating for fair labor practices and improving working conditions for countless employees.

Beyond his union activism, he also served as the president of the Rosenwald High School National Organization, reflecting his dedication to education and community engagement.

An avid basketball enthusiast, music lover, and devoted “Star Trek” fan, Payne was a man of diverse interests who touched the lives of many. Since 1980, he has been an active member of Westland St. James United Methodist Church, holding roles such as Treasurer, President of the United Methodist Men, Trustee, and beloved member of the Men’s Chorus.

Respect for Vic Payne runs deep. After his passing, many of the people whose lives he has touched have come forward to share stories about him. He was considered to be a mentor, an advocate, and a friend to hundreds.

Mike Klemm, District 141 President and Directing General Chair, expressed admiration for Vic, saying that he was an inspiring figure within the union. “Vic was a man that any union member could learn a lot from. Anyone who knew him, knew him as a mentor, a guide, and a trusted friend.”

Affectionately known as “Big Daddy” by his grandchildren and “My Man” by his great-granddaughters, Payne leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and service. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lois; daughters Natalie Rice and Eugenia Payne; grandchildren Eugenie Lewis Howse (Starla) and Kelli Renee (Peter) Lacza; and great-grandchildren Aliciana Niccole Howse, Ariana Jalen Howse, and Emery Howse Lacza. He is also mourned by his brother Karl (Naomi) Payne; brother-in-law Harold (Louise) Barnes; sisters-in-law Lela (Samuel) Norris and Cherryl Barnes; godchildren Carlotta Mitchell, Norma Harrington, and Jordan Howse; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He will now be reunited with his mother and father, Ruth and Alfred Payne.



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United Contract Negotiations Update8 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...

Honoring the Legacy of Ken Thiede

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

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

26 September 2024

Victor Claude Payne, a revered union leader and cherished community figure, passed away on September 20, 2024, following a long-term illness. He was 79.

Born on January 17, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Payne dedicated his life to service—both professionally and personally.

A graduate of Central High School’s class of 1963, he pursued higher education at Western Michigan University and Macomb County College. His career began at Wayne County Hospital in Eloise, Michigan, where he met his future wife, Lois Barnes Willis. They married on July 30, 1966, and shared 58 years together, raising two daughters, Natalie and Eugenia.

In 1966, he began working at United Airlines, a job he held for 42 years.

His commitment to workers’ rights led him to become deeply involved in union activism. He served as a Union Representative, quickly becoming a vital member of Local 141. His guidance and leadership led to a position on the Local 141 Grievance Committee. A skilled and determined defender of his coworkers, Vic became an Assistant General Chair and then Secretary-Treasurer of District 141 of the Machinists Union.

Payne was instrumental in advocating for fair labor practices and improving working conditions for countless employees.

Beyond his union activism, he also served as the president of the Rosenwald High School National Organization, reflecting his dedication to education and community engagement.

An avid basketball enthusiast, music lover, and devoted “Star Trek” fan, Payne was a man of diverse interests who touched the lives of many. Since 1980, he has been an active member of Westland St. James United Methodist Church, holding roles such as Treasurer, President of the United Methodist Men, Trustee, and beloved member of the Men’s Chorus.

Respect for Vic Payne runs deep. After his passing, many of the people whose lives he has touched have come forward to share stories about him. He was considered to be a mentor, an advocate, and a friend to hundreds.

Mike Klemm, District 141 President and Directing General Chair, expressed admiration for Vic, saying that he was an inspiring figure within the union. “Vic was a man that any union member could learn a lot from. Anyone who knew him, knew him as a mentor, a guide, and a trusted friend.”

Affectionately known as “Big Daddy” by his grandchildren and “My Man” by his great-granddaughters, Payne leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and service. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lois; daughters Natalie Rice and Eugenia Payne; grandchildren Eugenie Lewis Howse (Starla) and Kelli Renee (Peter) Lacza; and great-grandchildren Aliciana Niccole Howse, Ariana Jalen Howse, and Emery Howse Lacza. He is also mourned by his brother Karl (Naomi) Payne; brother-in-law Harold (Louise) Barnes; sisters-in-law Lela (Samuel) Norris and Cherryl Barnes; godchildren Carlotta Mitchell, Norma Harrington, and Jordan Howse; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He will now be reunited with his mother and father, Ruth and Alfred Payne.

Related

United Negotiations Update

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United Contract Negotiations Update8 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...

Honoring the Legacy of Ken Thiede

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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.Honoring the Legacy of Ken...

Association Update

Association Update

 September 25, 2024 

TO: All Association Sisters and Brothers 

RE: Contract Extension Vote 

The contract extension vote will be conducted by electronic voting through BallotPoint Election Services. Voting instructions and pin numbers will be sent to each member’s home address on file with American Airlines, as well as via e-mail to their company email address. 

Please make sure your mailing address is correct with American Airlines prior to October 5. 

We anticipate that the vote will take place from October 27 – 31. The Association is still in the process of finalizing the exact timeline and further information will be forthcoming. 

Thank you for your continued support and understanding. 

Fraternally, 

The Association Leadership 

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

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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.

United Negotiations Update

United Airlines Negotiations Update for September 17, 2024

United Contract Negotiations Update

17 September 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 sub- committees for the Storekeeper and Security Officer contracts were also present and engaged in negotiations that cover items specific to those two Collective Bargaining Agreements.

The Security Officers sub-committee presented proposals for Articles 1, 2, and 4, along with key language to be added under Article 10 as a new provision. 

We are waiting for written responses from the Company. 

Our Storekeeper sub-committee initiated conversations on Article 1 topics which included Storekeeper and Lead Storekeeper job descriptions as well as Designated Station Trainers (DST’s). These conversations included adding new cities in Article 2.A regarding job security. We also discussed issues regarding tooling, deliveries, inventory recovery trips and international travel.

Conversations resumed for the Passenger Service and Fleet Service Agreements and we exchanged proposals regarding specific provisions of Article 1. These included Temporary Assignments and Interpreters.

While we did not finalize any tentative agreements on these subjects, we had our best dialogue to date on several matters that you have identified as critical.

IAM District 141 is committed to reaching agreements for all seven new contracts in the shortest amount of time possible. To accomplish this, we need the Company to be willing to understand how important these contracts are to our members.

We will return to the negotiating table the week of September 30th, when we will be joined by the sub-committees from the Central Load Planner and Maintenance Instructor contracts.

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.

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.



Related News

United Negotiations Update

United Negotiations Update

United Contract Negotiations Update8 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...

Honoring the Legacy of Ken Thiede

Honoring the Legacy of Ken Thiede

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.Honoring the Legacy of Ken...

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

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.

Related

United Negotiations Update

United Negotiations Update

United Contract Negotiations Update8 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...

Honoring the Legacy of Ken Thiede

Honoring the Legacy of Ken Thiede

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.Honoring the Legacy of Ken...