Important Letter from the United Labor Coalition

Important Letter from the United Labor Coalition

IAM141.org

Nathan Lopp

Vice President, Labor Relations

United | Corporate Support Center | 233 S. Wacker Drive WHQLR 25th Floor | Chicago, IL  60606

Dear Mr. Lopp,

Just over one year ago, the United Airlines Labor Coalition raised its concern over United’s codeshare agreement with Emirates Airlines, based partly on accounts of unfair labor practices and employee intimidation in the United Arab Emirates.  Today, we raise our concern over employee treatment much closer to home.

Labor relations at United Airlines have deteriorated to the point that lacking labor standards halfway around the world now seem suited to describe the current situation at our own airline.  At the forefront is a draconian and one-sided approach to employee investigations and discipline.  Human Resources is now involved in the smallest and simplest infractions, resulting in consequences orders of magnitude worse than the deed.  Most grievance cases are denied and sent up to the next level with little discretion given to local managers who best know their workforce and issues.

United Airlines filed a supplement to its application for a Haneda slot, which was surrendered by Delta Airlines.  In this long and detailed document, United outlines the reasons it should be awarded authority to fly to Haneda from Houston.  The Labor Coalition finds it instructive that nowhere in this exhaustive brief is mention of a single benefit to United’s labor force, should United be awarded this coveted slot.  In fact, the point is made that IAH-Haneda flights would not be additive, but rather a replacement for existing IAH-Narita service.

Recently, the leaders of United’s unionized employees were asked to submit letters to the Department of Transportation in support of United Airlines’ application for Houston-Haneda authorization.  Such collaboration stems from relationships centered on mutual respect and fair treatment.  Sadly, we believe the current labor/management relationship falls far short of this standard.  For the sake of the employees we represent, we sincerely hope for an improved climate, where cooperation and collaboration can exist and thrive.  Such a climate does not exist today, and as a result, the United Airlines Union Coalition agrees it is inappropriate to support United’s application for Houston-Haneda service.

Respectfully,

Ken Diaz

Mike Klemm

Garth Thompson

Craig Symons

Joe Ferreira

MEC President

President

Master Chair

President

Dir. Airline Div.

AFA-UAL

IAM-UAL

ALPA-UAL

PAFCA-UAL

IBT-UAL

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Important Letter from the United Labor Coalition

17 November 2023

Nathan Lopp

Vice President, Labor Relations

United | Corporate Support Center | 233 S. Wacker Drive WHQLR 25th Floor | Chicago, IL  60606

Dear Mr. Lopp,

Just over one year ago, the United Airlines Labor Coalition raised its concern over United’s codeshare agreement with Emirates Airlines, based partly on accounts of unfair labor practices and employee intimidation in the United Arab Emirates.  Today, we raise our concern over employee treatment much closer to home.

Labor relations at United Airlines have deteriorated to the point that lacking labor standards halfway around the world now seem suited to describe the current situation at our own airline.  At the forefront is a draconian and one-sided approach to employee investigations and discipline.  Human Resources is now involved in the smallest and simplest infractions, resulting in consequences orders of magnitude worse than the deed.  Most grievance cases are denied and sent up to the next level with little discretion given to local managers who best know their workforce and issues.

United Airlines filed a supplement to its application for a Haneda slot, which was surrendered by Delta Airlines.  In this long and detailed document, United outlines the reasons it should be awarded authority to fly to Haneda from Houston.  The Labor Coalition finds it instructive that nowhere in this exhaustive brief is mention of a single benefit to United’s labor force, should United be awarded this coveted slot.  In fact, the point is made that IAH-Haneda flights would not be additive, but rather a replacement for existing IAH-Narita service.

Recently, the leaders of United’s unionized employees were asked to submit letters to the Department of Transportation in support of United Airlines’ application for Houston-Haneda authorization.  Such collaboration stems from relationships centered on mutual respect and fair treatment.  Sadly, we believe the current labor/management relationship falls far short of this standard.  For the sake of the employees we represent, we sincerely hope for an improved climate, where cooperation and collaboration can exist and thrive.  Such a climate does not exist today, and as a result, the United Airlines Union Coalition agrees it is inappropriate to support United’s application for Houston-Haneda service.

Respectfully,

Ken Diaz

Mike Klemm

Garth Thompson

Craig Symons

Joe Ferreira

MEC President

President

Master Chair

President

Dir. Airline Div.

AFA-UAL

IAM-UAL

ALPA-UAL

PAFCA-UAL

IBT-UAL

Related

Meet the Adolph Stutz Memorial Scholarship Winners of 2023

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The District Lodge 141 Scholarship Committee, in partnership with Bleiweiss Communications Inc., is proud to announce the 2023 Adolph Stutz Memorial Scholarship Competition winners. The Adolph Stutz Memorial Scholarship is held each year to celebrate and reward...

FAA Reauthorization Act Receives Broad Support in House

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The IAM applauded the passage of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2023 in the House of Representatives. This month, the House of Representatives approved the "Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act" (H.R. 3935)....

Here’s the Difference Between Heat Stress, Exhaustion, and Stroke

Here’s the Difference Between Heat Stress, Exhaustion, and Stroke

Heat-related injuries and sickness can often be hard to understand because the words used to describe them can be tricky. With hot weather warnings in the U.S., it's crucial to understand terms like heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.Here's the Difference...

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