February 28, 2015 Newsletter

Interim Agreement Reached on Union Representation for Stock Clerks at ExpressJet 

Local 210 Lead Negotiator Bob Luciano and Airline Division International Representative Chris Moore met this past week with ExpressJet COO Alex Marren and new Vice President of Maintenance Bob Madigan to discuss the status of negotiations.  

The talks were wide ranging and included the current state of the regional industry, 50 seat aircraft, management changes at ExpressJet, the future of the carrier and how these issues relate to the future of the carrier. Both sides also discussed how these issues relate to the stalled negotiations between the carriers mechanic groups and stock clerks who remain separate units, without a joint contract. It was agreed that the sides would plan future meetings to look forward in hopes of finding a way to successfully negotiate an agreement while preserving the integrity of jobs for the membership. 

The union brought up the lack of an Interim Agreement for the Stock Clerks that provides them protection and union representation in the grievance process in cases of lost pay and termination. In a sign of good faith, the company signed the agreement which is now in place. 

Dates for future meetings will be announced as soon as they are agreed upon.  

GoJets Negotiating Update

The GoJets Pilots Negotiating Committee met this week and work focused on preparing Sections to be passed to management regarding Hours of Service, Recognition and Scope, Insurance and Other Benefits, and Scheduling.    

On Thursday, February 26th the Negotiating Committee met with the Company and passed an opening proposal on Section 1- (Recognition and Scope), and a counter on Section 7 – (Hours of Service).  The Company passed counters on Sections 8 – (Scheduling) and 9 – (Reserves). 

The next negotiating sessions are scheduled for next week March 2-6.  

Airline Industry News

 Governmental and Regulatory

 A Georgia House subcommittee is considering House Bill 175, which would significantly hike taxes on jet fuel for all airlines, which could drive up the cost of travel for passengers. The bill would cost airlines an estimated $23 million a year if it becomes law.

Airlines, Industry and Labor 

The workforce at U.S. airlines grew 1.4% year-over-year in December, bringing the number of full-time-equivalent jobs in the industry to 386,219, according to the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics. December's employment numbers continue a yearlong trend of increased year-over-year employment.  

Buckeye Partners is offering $40 million in a settlement over jet fuel prices at airports in the New York City region. Five U.S. carriers filed a complaint in 2012 that Buckeye was overcharging for jet fuel.  

Gary Kelly, president and CEO of Southwest Airlines, said the carrier will add more international routes from Baltimore–Washington International Airport. "Baltimore is a very, very key city for us," Kelly said. Southwest plans to expand service to the Caribbean, as well as possibly Mexico and Canada.