FAA
Sign Petition February 6, 2012, RICH DELANEY—We are asking all members of District Lodge 141 to sign the attaché petition. This petition asks Congressmen and Senators to vote NO on the currently pending legislation, and work towards a new bill that truly addresses the necessary funding of the FAA without including punishing anti-union requirements. The current bill seeks to change the voting rights of employees in the railroad and airline industry in union representation elections and take away the National Mediation Board’s historic authority to oversee such elections. The IAM’s position is that funding for the nation’s aviation authority should not be held hostage by including unconnected provisions over labor issues; if there is a need to revise the current labor laws that should be handled separately, through full discussion with all concerned parties before radical changes are made. Please support the efforts of all concerned transportation unions in opposing this congressional action.
US AIrways Update
January 28, 2012—Rich Delaney US Airways negotiations resumed this past week in Tempe. We had productive discussions with the company over issues that have been brought to the table in previous meetings. Overtime, Vacancies, and Shifts were the main issues still under discussion.
At the beginning of our week, newspaper reports revealed that US Airways was heavily involved in trying to structure a deal to acquire American Airlines. This report was then confirmed by US Airways publicly. There is no way of knowing if any deal will ever actually be completed between these two airlines, or any other combination of carriers. It does, however, point out again that consolidation within the airline industry is going to continue to be business goal of airlines, and therefore a concern to the IAM.
We spent time during the week talking with the company about our desire to review and improve, where needed, the protection of our Members’ jobs and seniority in the event this, or any other, consolidation occurs. Our contract currently includes language that is intended to guide merger protections but we want to review these provisions to see if we believe it is adequate to address the changing dynamic in the industry. Both sides have agreed this issue is serious enough to have each side’s legal advisors give us an opinion of any potential obstacles to negotiating improved language so we may take up this topic now rather than wait until a deal is finalized.
We will return to direct talks with the company in early March and will continue both our regular contract proposal discussions and this new issue of seniority protection.
January 28, 2012, Negotiating Committee—Brothers and Sisters,The Union and the company met the week of January 23rd for Negotiations in Phoenix. We passed proposals this week on Filling of Vacancies, Overtime, Shift Definition and Hours of Service. We continue to keep in mind the surveys and history of dealing with the language in this contract when submitting our proposals to the company. Also, this week because of the merger speculation surrounding the airline industry, we spent considerable time discussing merger protection language and seniority. We conveyed to the company the importance of protections for US Airways Fleet Employees. We agreed to discuss more in the upcoming negotiations which include March 1-2 and April 24-26. In Solidarity, Negotiating Committee
January 26, 2012, Rich Delaney—District 141 and US Airways have reached an agreement regarding the recent station closings grievances and their impact on our membership in BUF, IND, MSY, OAK, and SNA. The grievances were concerned with the timing of the company decision to close the Five Stations and the contract language that allowed for the contracting out of work under certain conditions.
This agreement was reached with the assistance of our outside attorneys from Bush, Gottlieb, Singer, Lopez, Kohanski, Adelstein, and Dickinson. We had been making preparations to both present our arguments before a specially appointed arbitrator and also explore our rights in federal court. It was reached as an alternative to the arbitration process that our contract allowed for in an effort to bring a more timely resolution to the Five Stations case and compensate those affected members forced to make decisions over their future employment. Some Members made the decision to furlough rather than transfer, while others have elected to uproot and move to other cities.
The agreement specifically addresses those employees. First, employees electing furlough will have company paid contributions to the IAM National Pension Fund on their behalf that will provide six hundred hours of credit in the Plan for the year 2012. These contributions will be paid at the prescribed rate of $1.05 for Full Time and $0.65 for Part Time employees. The issue of pension contributions for furloughed employees has been a point of contention between the Union and the company in the past. This agreement provides immediate payment of contributions for the Five Stations employees while recognizing the Union’s right to pursue a more permanent resolution to this funding issue through other grievances and avenues. Secondly, those Members that have chosen to relocate to other stations, in addition to the normal contractual moving expenses, will receive $500.00. This applies equally to Full Time and Part Time members.
The overall value of this settlement for all involved is in excess of $500,000.00. More importantly, it addresses the needs of those Members directly affected by the decision to outsource work.
The Union remains opposed to any and all contracting out of work, most importantly when it causes the loss of jobs, and will continue to raise this job security issue in every forum we can, especially contract negotiations. We welcome this decision for what it provides for the Five Stations membership, but it is not the final resolution to our fight for job protection for all Members.
Fraternally,
Richard Delaney
President
District Lodge 141, IAMAW
December 14, 2011— The Negotiation Committee met with the company during the week of November 28. To date, we have made proposals regarding Purpose of the Agreement, Limited Duty, Seniority, Overtime, Probation and Shift Definitions. We have also had many conversations to clarify positions on current language. The Committee has taken a position of clarifying language before writing new language. We continue to keep in mind the survey and issues that arise every day with the current CBA. This is a painstakingly slow process, but necessary to insure that no issue gets passed over because we hurried. Our next two negotiating sessions will take place the week of January23rd and the week of March 5th.
October 19, 2011—NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Negotiating Committee met with the Company in Chicago, October 12–13. Members have told us, through contract surveys, that you want contract language cleaned up, along with better pay and benefits.
Our goal early in these negotiations is to focus on language. This process is time consuming, tedious, and necessary.
We don't want to rush through these important issues, so be prepared for a long journey. The next two negotiating sessions will take place in Phoenix, November 30–December 1, and again January 25–26.
October, 2011, Rich Delaney—Negotiations resume this week between District 141 and US Airways. These negotiations will be held in Chicago, based on an agreement with the company that discussions would alternate between the company’s headquarters and the Union’s.
As a result of the recent company announcement of station closings the focus of these talks will be about job security and scope language.
First "Section 6" negotiations in more than a decade with US Airways begin
September, 2011—US Airways Director of Benefits reports that US Airways has received signed certifications from all groups, and the company will proceed with making previously discussed dental plan changes, effective January 1, 2012.
Download the pdf brochure that will accompany the Annual Enrollment brochure, providing more information about new Health Options Plan with HSA. These brochures are in process of being mailed out by the company.
September 7, 2011 — The Negotiating Committee met with US Airways on Wednesday and Thursday, August 31–September 1, to begin our first Section 6 negotiations in more than a decade.
We submitted non-economic proposals to the company, and had meaningful discussion. These proposals, along with future ones, will address concerns that you provided in surveys, and in grievances.
All of the Negotiating Committee Members want to re-emphasize our commitment to bringing back a contract with significant improvements for all Members.
Our next negotiating session will take place in Chicago, October 12–13. After that, we will return to Phoenix for our third negotiating session, November 30–December 1.
July 21, 2011, Negotiating Team — The Negotiating Committee met with the company on Wednesday, July 13th, for a meet-and-greet session. Formalities were discussed for how we would set up meeting times, location of talks, protocols, etc. The company discussed briefly its concerns and expectations, and then we spent considerable time explaining our expectations.
It was agreed that our first negotiating session will be August 31 and September 1, and our second negotiating session will be October 12–13.
The Negotiating Committee wants to reiterate to the Members that this process is being taken very seriously and that we are committed to doing our best to bring back a contract we can all live with.
July 17, 2011, Rich Delaney — Contract negotiations between US Airways and District 141 began this week.
Although our contract does not become amendable until December 31, 2011 the agreement calls for this early start to talks in an effort to reach a more timely settlement. Members of our Negotiating Team met with company representatives in Tempe to outline our proposals and intentions for this round of negotiations. Our proposals cover all aspects of our contract – compensation, benefits, work rules – that our Members indicated were important to them. It is a very comprehensive list but it a reflection of the membership’s intent to improve their work lives and clear up some of the language that the current agreement contains and is subject to different interpretation, depending on who is reading the contract.
The company made it very clear they intended to continue their focus on “cost containment” in order to stay profitable. The differences between the two positions are what has to be negotiated.
We have agreed to meet the week of August 31st to resume talks and start to find resolutions to each issue.
June 22, 2010
Brothers and Sisters,
The Negotiating Committee met in Chicago between June 6-10, to finalize and prepare for upcoming negotiations which begin on July 13th in Phoenix.
The main purpose for meeting this week was to go through the survey results to make sure the concerns of the membership were encompassed in any contract proposals we submit to the company.
The Negotiating team consists of Rich Delaney, Chief negotiator and President of District 141, Tom Regan (GLR), who has committed to giving us all the resources available from the International. The rest of the Negotiating Committee consists of AGC's Frank O'Donnell and Mike Fairbanks along with 8 members from across our system including Mark Baskett(CLT), Rodney Walker(BDL), Frank Giannola(LGA), Ricky O'Barr(MCO), Steve Miller(BOS), Steve Willis(LAS), George Austin(PHL) and Pat Rezler(PHX). David Ciccone will come in when (CLP) is discussed.
The Committee wants to let the members know that we are committed to negotiate a much improved contract that we can all bring back for ratification.
In Solidarity,
Negotiating Committee
US team reviews proposals
June 4, 2011 — Members of the USAirways Negotiating Team will meet this coming week in ORD to review survey results and individual contract proposals submitted by members to complete preparations for the start of negotiations with the Company next month.
Delta Slot Transaction
Letter to Employees from the company | Download pdf
Employee FAQS | Download pdf
Press Release | Download pdf
US Negotiation
US Members Train at Winpisinger Education Center
Rich Delaney, March 25, 2011 — Update
Process, Team, Survey
Rich Delaney, March 1 — District Officers met last week to finalize plans for the start of the negotiations process for our members at US Airways.
Talks for a replacement contract will begin with the company in July. Preparations for contract proposal collection were made in conjunction with the Strategic Resources Dept. of our International. An electronic survey is being finalized and planned to be available to members within the next ten days. The survey will give members the ability to prioritize issues and also allow for individual comments, suggestions, or complete proposals.
The Negotiating Team is being finalized and will be announced by the end of this week. Once a schedule can be determined, the Negotiating Team will attend specialized training at the Winpisinger Center.
Information regarding the developments of negotiations will be posted on the US Airways page of the District 141 website as it becomes available.
First Go Produces Success
Members, Company Benefit
District 141 Officers assigned to represent our US Airways membership met with company Labor Relations representatives and Mediators from the National Mediation Board this past week to begin a new process in grievance settling.
District 141 has been working with both the airline and the NMB to develop a mediation process that will allow for mutual settlement of cases before they get to arbitration. This past week was the first attempt at this and proved to be very successful, from all points of view.
The process allows for much more dialogue between the parties and stresses the goal of reaching a settlement rather than presenting arguments – as is done in arbitration.
While not all of the cases were resolved, those that were returned members to work after long periods of discharge under conditions that were acceptable to all parties – the Union, the company, and most importantly, the Grievants. It is clear that much more work has to go into this process in order to make it work efficiently but all sides agree it is a good method to settle grievances.
Crest
Rich's Update
Pension Update: What Do the Changes Mean?
District 141 was informed on December 17, 2010 of planned changes to our Defined Benefit Retirement Plan by the Trustees of the IAM National Pension Fund. Although these future adjustments were determined by Trustee action at their meeting in October, we received the notice of change at the same time our members did. Due to the timing of the notice, it was not possible for us to communicate with you prior to your receiving your copy of the information.
The necessity of the announced reduction in future accrual of pension benefits is the reality of the economy we work in. The too long lasting recession that has affected the value of the investments made by the Plan to insure sufficient money is available to pay the promised pension benefits. Since our pension plan is regulated by government oversight, it is a requirement of the Plan to provide secured benefits for the liability created by each person’s accrued pension benefits. In order to do that, the Trustees have determined to reduce the accrual rate of future benefits instead of cutting existing benefits.
The changes determined by the Trustees apply to certain participants of the IAM National Pension Fund, but not all. For example, our US Airways membership will be affected by future reduced accrual rates for their monthly pension benefits but our United membership will not. The reason for the difference between the two groups is that the United employees entered the Plan in 2006 and were subject to a special accrual rate designed specifically for them due to the size of the covered group and the concern of the Plan of the financial stability of the airline at the time. Our US Airways members joined the Plan before October 1, 2003 and have been accruing pension benefits under the schedule established at that time.
The impact of these changes will apply to future accrual of benefits. It is important to understand that due to the structure of the Plan, all benefit accrual rates pertain to benefits not yet earned. Put more simply, any benefit you have already earned under the current schedule is yours and is not subject to any adjustment.
It is also important to know that the benefits being collected by our retired members is protected and is not included in these adjustments.
The question of the day is “What does this mean to me”?
For the immediate future there will be no change to your pension benefit or future accrual rate. The changes, as outlined, will not go into effect until one of two things happen. First, our upcoming contract negotiations with US Airways would need to be completely finished and ratified by the membership. The effect date of change would be the first of the month following ratification. Secondly, the changes are required to be implemented no later than January 1, 2014. Whichever date comes first will be the effect date.
As you know, negotiations within the airline industry are time consuming and not easily settled, historically. During the period of time it may take us to renegotiate an all encompassing contract, your pension benefit will continue accrue at our current scheduled rate.
These announced changes by the National Pension Fund were not negotiated with nor agreed to by District 141. We realize the impact this reduction of future accrued benefits will have on individual’s retirement planning. We also recognize the imperative need this places on our upcoming negotiations with the airline to find a contractual answer to mitigating the planned reduction. We will approach this issue with an open mind towards any and all options that will allow our members to obtain a safe, secure, and meaningful retirement.
To receive accurate individual information regarding how this schedule change impacts you we encourage you to contact the National Pension Fund directly at 1-800-424-9608. Their office is open Monday through Friday from 0730 to 1900 Eastern Time.
As any additional information or explanation becomes available, we will promptly post it.
Fraternally,
Richard Delaney
NMB reassigns mediator from US to Continental
US Airways grievance mediation was scheduled to be held next week in PHL, using a mediator from the National Mediation Board. This is a program we have been working on for almost a year and next week was to be the first series of hearings using the NMB.
Unfortunately, we have been notified by the NMB that due to the large number of contract negotiations needing mediators’ help, the grievance mediation program must wait. The mediator originally assigned to our cases has now been called in to the Continental Flight Attendant negotiations.
Those talks have resumed after the recent rejection of a tentative agreement and it is hoped that with the additional assistance of the mediator a new agreement can be reached quickly. We have already committed to future dates in February for the grievance hearings. top
NMB reassigns mediator from US to Continental
US Airways grievance mediation was scheduled to be held next week in PHL, using a mediator from the National Mediation Board. This is a program we have been working on for almost a year and next week was to be the first series of hearings using the NMB.
Unfortunately, we have been notified by the NMB that due to the large number of contract negotiations needing mediators’ help, the grievance mediation program must wait. The mediator originally assigned to our cases has now been called in to the Continental Flight Attendant negotiations.
Those talks have resumed after the recent rejection of a tentative agreement and it is hoped that with the additional assistance of the mediator a new agreement can be reached quickly. We have already committed to future dates in February for the grievance hearings.
National Group Protection
NGP discusses supplemental insurance plans with US Airways Members in Philadelphia.
For more than thirty years, National Group Protection (NGP) has offered supplemental insurance programs for the work site environment. NGP is a union shop and an approved vendor on the AFL-CIO "Do Buy" list. As a union shop, NGP acts as an advocate on behalf of the union and its members.
This week, NGP representatives met with US Airways Fleet Service Members of District 141 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to offer their Group Short Term Disability Insurance program. The insurance is intended to replace a portion of income in the event of on-the-job disability, illness, or injury.
Open enrollment is underway system wide.
To learn more, or to purchase supplemental insurance, be on the look out in your station for notice of NGP, see your Local Grievance Committee, or call 1-800-344-9016 to speak to an NGP representative.