Moving Forward

A craft membership meeting was held in April and as previously reported the turnout was very good. At this meeting we discussed the chronological chain of events “moving forward” through the spring and into contract negotiations. We have also been visiting different work areas explaining the same and we will continue to do so. Since the meeting members have called asking about what the plan is “moving forward”. What follows is a brief outline of what is to take place in the upcoming months.

Contract negotiation surveys were mailed out in March and collected in April. The data has been compiled and copies of the surveys are being returned to the local Unions for review. The surveys will be used to facilitate the work of the rewrite committee. Local contract rewrite meetings will begin in the near future. As in the past all the shop stewards will be invited to attend.

Once the local unions have compiled all their data into a contract proposal the entire system will meet. This meeting will be similar to the local rewrite meetings but much larger in scale. At these meetings an opening proposal will be drafted. It will then be sent to the International for review. The Airline division will use its’ resources (scope attorney’s, actuaries, pension experts etc.) to review the document and add their pieces to the final draft. In accordance with the Railway Labor Act a Section 6 (desire to open collective bargaining) will be served upon the company. This can take place as early as September 1, 2008 under the Act. Our contract is amendable December 31, 2008. A copy of the opening proposal will be shared with the membership.

The Teamsters met with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) in early May. There was a very candid and informative question and answer session as both Unions inquired about certain issues across the table. The two sides discussed ways to share information and support each other as both union’s contract talks move forward. Follow up meetings will be scheduled in the near future.

A local meeting with the Shop Stewards and the Leads took place on May 14^th. At this meeting the Union detailed everything in this memo and the floor was then opened for discussion. The nature of the discussion was how to improve communication and form a bond of solidarity amongst the members as we move forward. We all know the Leads are a very crucial part of the operation. Future meetings of the same nature will be scheduled. It is imperative the chains of communication remain open and abundant. It is also imperative we relay a message of solidarity to the company throughout the entire negotiating process.

Your Local Union, Shop Stewards and Leads will be holding informational meetings in the different work areas. Please listen, inquire and stay informed. Now more than ever the members in our Local are going to have show a strong united front. Thank you all for your time. If anyone has any questions, comments or suggestions do not hesitate to call.