• List of errors
  in printed versions of US Airways contract, with proposed remedy

• Request regular updates from the district

May 19, 2010 — US Airways Committeeman Jason Kammer joins District 141 Members on video (above) in Phoenix

Members’ jobs, both carriers

Rich Delaney, April 18, 2010 — In our talks with United Airlines, whose contract negotiations are now underway, we could not, and did not ignore the possibility that United will aggressively look for a new partner. Although we have not received any information from any of the sources that could give us some insight into the seriousness of the reported talks among the airlines, we have relied on the existing contract language as a starting point for job protection discussions.

The two carriers mentioned last week – US Airways and Continental – are not new entries in the merger sweepstakes. District 141 is not so much interested in which airlines provides the corporation or Board of Directors the maximum benefit – we are exclusively concerned about the potential affect on the security of our Members’ jobs, both at United and US Airways.

Those of us that have lived through almost 20 years of merger speculation know the likelihood of failure is greater than the possibility of success. But we intend to take these developments seriously and use the tools of negotiation to protect our Members’ best interests.

Arbitration vacancies

District 141 AGC's have been working with US Airways management for more than seven months to correct the problem of vacancies on the NMB arbitration panel. “The company has finally agreed to replace the two arbitrators that left the panel. Robert Douglas’ passing and the company’s decision to replace Robert Williams has created vacancies on the board, which ultimately delayed case assignments,” says AGC Frank O’Donnell.

The replacement arbitrators will help to alleviate some of the backlog caused by an incomplete panel. “We intend to proceed with an aggressive schedule on behalf of Members to compensate for these delays, and to push for more timely decisions,” says O’Donnell.

When the arbitration panel is a fully staffed with nine arbitrators, a selection process takes place that involves both the Union and the company striking arbitrator’s names from a list. The result is one arbitrator who then hear a specific case.

Charlotte

March 11th, 2010 — Members of Local 1725 ignore wet, early spring time weather in North Caroline, to vote on two referendum questions. The “Victory Lodge” volunteers, along with Charlotte Committeeman Rick Russo, set up and staffed Russo’s RV, providing shelter, and turning the day into a fun event. Members were grilling hot dogs, and serving chips and sodas. In that relaxed atmosphere, Members met with Grievance Chairman Mark Baskett, District 141 AGC’s Nick Handlow, Mike Crowell, and 141 V.P. at-Large, Mike Fairbanks.

“Members here in Charlotte are a great bunch,” says Baskett. “Rain or shine, our Members know how important it is to come out and vote on issues.” The referendum vote continues through March.

San Diego

video | San Diego, February 19, 2010 — Americas Finest City is home to District 141 Members at United, US Airways and Hawaiian Airlines. On a February station visit, Grievance Committee Chairs of San Diego’s Local Lodge met with District 141 communications,  AGC Shawn Humpherys, and AGC Mike Crowell. The Grievance Committee defends our rights, with day-to-day enforcement of IAM negotiated collective bargaining agreements for our membership.

43 Fleet Service Agents work the US Airways gates at Terminal 2 in San Diego. District 141 Members Paul Platt, John Lyons, and Eric Graham run the Grievance Committee on behalf of Members at US Airways in San Diego.

Paul Platt above is among the newest Members of District 141, with six years of seniority. Platt began working with America West Airlines before its merger with US Airways.

Platt talks about when he became active in the union, saying, “well I became a steward, but I really wasn’t a big union supporter at first. I wasn’t very happy the way things were being run, until 2008. That September I went to the District Convention in Jacksonville, as a visitor guest. This where I saw changes beginning to take place, and I met some great people who inspired me to get involved in the union.”

When asked about positive change, Platt says, “we had some good success on our grievances here in San Diego. Our committee has been doing a really good job. Representation from the district has been fantastic — nothing but 110 percent, and our AGC Mike Crowell is a helpful advisor.

Platt refers to District 141 education, saying, “the district has been helpful to the GC and Stewards of US Airways by offering training. I was one of five Stewards receiving Shop Steward training in 2009 from AGC Mike Crowell, AGC Shawn Humpherys, V.P.–West Sandy Gardner, and VP–Hawaii Sandy Olmos. I had a very good experience and have nothing but positive things to say about the officers of District 141 on the service they have provide us in education. They gave us the knowledge to better serve our Members in San Diego.”

Platt feels strongly about the union now. He says, “if I had a chance I would tell all my fellow District 141 Brothers & Sisters that if you don’t get involved and you don’t educate yourself, then you have simply don’t have any reason to complain. When you do get involved, you see the process first hand. You develop an understanding for helping Members, which is a good thing, and then you will have a greater appreciation for being a Member by seeing change happen for the positive.”

At United in San Diego, those who have our backs are Shauna Goodman, Tony Messina and Eddie Jimenez.

Goodman explains that the GC is always ready to help San Diego’s 110 Members at United Airlines. She says, “with the union EAP program, we have assist Members who have lost family. We also help Members with addictive behavior. The GC has been successful in getting the company understand EAP problems. More than that, the GC has successfully argued that employees deserve a chance to overcome addictions.

Goodman is the newly elected Chair. She brings 15 years of experience with United, and previously with Piedmont and USAir. Goodman’s background encompasses both line and hub cities, which include Charlotte and New York/LaGuardia. Goodman has worked ramp, customer service, and reservations in Los Angeles and Marina Valley. Goodman began her union progression in 1998, coming to San Diego and soon becoming a Shop Steward. Serving for four years, she won election to the Grievance Committee, becoming its Chairperson in January, 2010.
Why did you initially get involved in the union, we asked, Goodman replies, “to help Members earn better pay and benefits.” She likes belonging to the union because, “we all stick together.”

30 stewards swear in, speak out in Charlotte

February 11, 2010 — Thirty US Airways Fleet Service Agents are sworn in at the local lodge meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Troy Livingston, a Member with 25 years seniority at US Airways, working B-Con day shift, is among those taking the IAM oath.

Livingston says, “I decided it was time to get involved, instead of sitting on the side lines, and have more say in our lives and careers.” He feels management needs to be checked. “Too often,” Livingston says, “instructions by management may be overlooking regulations.” Expediting operational needs doesn’t justify trashing the regs, he adds.

Sam LaRocca is another Steward taking the IAM oath. LaRocca is a 28-year US Airways Fleet Service Member, serving as a Shop Steward in Charlotte for three years. Before that, LaRocca was a steward in Pittsburgh serving another union’s Members.

When asked what changes he sees, LaRocca responds, “We are growing our steward ranks, we are getting stronger as a union, and we’re benefiting from the leadership we have in place.”

What’s the one thing about which LaRocca feels most strongly? “It’s important for Charlotte Members to know ‘we are union,‘ and with the union, the company doesn’t walk over us.”

Those present at the swearing in event are Bill Kline, J.R.Thompson, Jeff Tucker, Kip Petteway, Don Murphy, Mike Moser, Sam La Rocca, Jim Wilde, Darin Wilson, Renae Miller, Troy Livingston, Randy Aderman, John Wilkinson, Dirk Morgan, Rob Combs, Lisa Leathers, Dale Lewis, Jeff Minton, Eric Reid, Helena Calhoun, Wayne Bebler, Timothy Sings, Freddy Flores, and John Tinne.

Those unable to attend the swearing in proceedings include Rodney Bailes, Larry Garuccio, Tom Russell, Terry Wade, Tom Rosson, and Bobby Kenyo.

US Lead Positions Rise in Phoenix

February 5, 2010 — Phoenix Grievance Committee Chair, Chris Lenzi, reports an expected increase in the number of Lead positions at US Airways in Phoenix, Arizona. The increase is anticipated this month.

District 141 AGC Nick Handlow, assigned to US Airways – PHX, says, “The company agreed with the Union’s position, which asserts the need for openings.” Fifteen US Airways employees were allowed to transfer in to Phoenix. The 15 begin training on Monday, February 8.

Handlow speculates, “If this movement means that more lead jobs are coming, then those lead jobs would be available for system wide bidding by any Fleet Service Agent, through the company’s Career Opportunity Bulletins. This is a positive step, achieved with proactive union leadership.” The movement could take place sometime mid month.

The company also agreed with the Union that it is a violation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement to pull qualified agents to cover lead work. The company further agreed that its managers would use overtime to cover shortages of lead agents.

Time Clocks, Security

Chris Lenzi also reports resolution of the time clock issue in Phoenix. Time clocks have been installed on the west side of the ticket counter, and US Airways agents are now able to clock into work before clearing security.

The union became involved with time clocks when US management unfairly penalized workers for late check-in, when those workers were delayed in clogged security lines. Lenzi went on to say, “The Local committee and AGC Nick Handlow are fighting hard to get these issues resolved fully and finally.” Lenzi also noted his appreciation for help he receives from District 141.

South Florida

January 25, 2010 — In the accompanying video, District 141 Communications Coordinator, Dave Lehive (US Airways–PHL), joins AGC Mickey Hughes on January 18–20, 2010, for one of Hughes’ frequent station visits. This visit encompasses West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, Florida.

Mike Borrelli, serves as Grievance Committee Chair for South Florida, including PBI, MIA, and his home station of FLL. Borrelli transferred from Philadelphia to Ft. Lauderdale with US Airways. Borrelli works closely with Hughes to assure contract enforcement and to address safety issues.

In West Palm Beach, Anthony Linarducci, US Airways Fleet Service Agent and Committee person, welcomes District 141 representatives. Linarducci has 24 years with the company, and many active years of service within the union. West Palm Beach is home to 24 full time and 7 part time Members.

In Miami, Shop Stewards Martin Vigo, Jerry Drury, and Orlando Calderon collaborate with Borrelli and Hughes. Their mutual aim is to address problems with local management.

“The hard working Members of these stations do a fantastic job,” says Hughes.

Regarding the company, Hughes says, “We just want local management to know we have issues, and we want our issues addressed. All can benefit from a smooth running operation.”

Orlando Ramos and Carlos Ugaldee, both US AIrways Fleet Service Agents in Miami, say “they were very happy about the visit from District 141.

Punch In Before Security

January 17, 2010 — US Airways Fleet Service workers in Phoenix will now be able to punch in before security, thanks to the successful outcome of a grievance filed against the company.

Members had been marked late when clogged security lines prevented them from reaching time clocks before their start times. Until now, US Airways failed to acknowledge this as a company problem, and held Members accountable. Thanks to the efforts of the PHX Grievance Committee, with support from District Lodge 141 AGC Nick Handlow, Mickey Hughes, Mike Crowell, and Vice President At-Large Mike Fairbanks, that’s changed now. “The issue of has been resolved,” stated Handlow. “It was a good day for Fleet Service Members at US Airways when this difficult situation for our Members was corrected.”

Handlow also is advising that the company has agreed to back fill 15 Lead positions in PHX. Anyone with a system transfer on file would be eligible for these open slots. The company also has said they would consider the possibility for more slots to be filled in the future.

US fleet service, pilots picket

January 8, 2010 — US Airways Fleet Service agents joined pilots in picketing at McCarran Airport, shortly after executive management at US Airways announced another round of cutbacks aimed at helping the carrier out of financial woes. Ten or more agents, including both active and retired 141 Members, and 141 AGC Mickey Hughes, joined in solidarity and protest.

Transfer Bid, Point System

December 2, 2009 — More than a month ago, on October 28, 2009, US Airways management announced job reductions. Mainline cities were their target, with LAS being the most hard hit. On November 16, 2009, US Airways management declined a request for additional time for employees to submit transfer bid requests.

Transfer Bid Awards December 13; Effective February 15, 2010

District 141 will assure that Member seniority is fully protected. AGC's Mickey Hughes, Nick Handlow, V.P. at-Large Mike Fairbanks, and LAS committee person Steve Willis will be in Tempe, Arizona on December 3, 2009 to meet with the company and observe the process. Bids will be awarded December 16, 2009, with an effective date of February 15, 2010

Company Imposed Point System In Arbitration

District 141 AGC’s continue to arbitrate cases resulting from the company imposed point system. District 141 believes there are grievances that hold merit, and there are potential areas of violation of the collective bargaining agreement. Arbitration is a long, meticulous process. District 141 understands the frustration of Members against US Airways for imposing their flawed program on its employees. DL141 will be obtaining more information about point system arbitration, and making it available to Members on iam141.org.

Members seeking information about specific grievances will want to attend local lodge meetings for the local’s monthly report.

Members with questions about any outstanding grievances should contact your AGC.

US Airways Members, AGC's Meet

slide show, (no audio) — US Airways Members meet with district AGC’s in Las Vegas, Sunday, November22, 2009. Issues of concern were raised and discussed by Daniel Skorynko, Members throughout the Las Vegas station, and district officers.

US Airways

Health Care Arbitration

August 21, 2009
To:   The Members of District Lodge 141 Affiliated with US Airways
Subject:   Arbitration Decision related to Employee Health Care Premiums

    Arbitrator Richard I. Block has rendered his decision in the recently heard case concerning our Grievance filed against the Company for their application of a formula to determine future increases in employee required healthcare premiums. Unfortunately, he did not agree with our arguments and ruled against us.
    Representatives of both District 141 and District 142, in addition to outside legal counsel, worked very hard in the preparation and presentation of this very important case. Every effort was made by your representatives to resolve this issue in favor of our memberships. Many hours and days of joint discussion and planning went into this case and every opportunity was taken to try to reach an acceptable agreement with the Company. However, we were unable to complete a voluntary settlement and relied on Arbitrator Block to hear the contractual arguments from both sides and make a binding decision.
    We must accept this answer as final in this matter and look forward to the next phase of this issue. As we receive information regarding the status of our premium costs for 2010 we will immediately forward it to you.

Fraternally, // SIGNED // Richard Delaney, President, District Lodge 141, IAMAW

August 11, 2009— District 141 representatives met with US Airways management to review the awarding of station vacancies as a result of the announced station closings. We wanted to insure that the impacted employees’ seniority was fully protected and their personal choices were honored whenever possible.

August 4, 2009— District representatives met with US airways management to discuss several pressing issues.

The number of grievances filed as a result of the company-imposed Attendance Control Policy (Point System) is alarming. We have agreed that cases involving the same or similar issues with this policy can be heard as a single grievance in Arbitration. This will speed up resolution of these issues and not require individual cases to be heard.

District 141 and the company talked about ways we could more efficiently address Members’ complaints and grievances and reduce the number of cases that are waiting to be schedule in Arbitration. We will continue to look for different options that will resolve grievances sooner and allow grievances that must be heard by an arbitrator to get there faster.

We also talked about the recent company announcement regarding stations closings. We notified the company of our concern that the protective language of our contract was being violated and that we intended to pursue cases of merit regarding these stations – especially AUS, BUR, ELP, OMA, and MKE. We also wanted to make sure that those affected employees have full use of their seniority when making decisions for themselves and their families to fill vacancies in other stations.

Finally, we talked about the need to have improved and continuing communication between the Union and the company. More in person conversations between the parties on a regular basis is the best place to start.

Outsourcing violates contract

Rich Delaney, July 23, 2009 — US Airways announced last week their intention to contract out the Fleet Service work in 8 stations across the system.

AUS, ELP, OMA, MKE, BUR, ICT, LGB, and COS will be turned over to a vendor in the fall.

District 141 Representatives will meet with the company this week to discuss this situation and to present our position that the company is violating our Agreement by contracting out stations that should be protected under current language.

us airways contract

The current contract will be posted to this web site after a review process by district AGC's.

The review is taking place now. The review has identified unacceptable errors in the printed version of the US Airways contract. A complete list of errors, and proposed remedy has been formally submitted to US Airways, E. Allen Hemenway, Vice President Labor Relations.

If you have immediate questions about your US Airways contract, contact a Shop Steward at your location. If you are unable to do so, and know the name of your Assistant General Chair, contact the AGC. If you need direction to an AGC, contact Barb Demes in the district office with your name, airline, location, and best way to contact you. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. (Central) until 4:00 p.m.

Use the menus below if you need to see past date “LOU’s” –Letters Of Understanding– between District 141 and US Airways. The lower menu has past date district updates.