Local 769 BA Awarded Teamster of the Year
David Renshaw is a busy man. Recently named “Teamster of the Year” for Local 769, the Business Agent recently added to his work load when he assumed the representation for the Airline Division in the Local, that were covered by Daisy Gonzalez-Colli, who just recently retired after many years of service. Not missing a beat, David has jumped right into the new job.
However, it’s what he does in his off time that brings even more admiration for his dedication that led to his award. When David is not representing members, he is actively involved in supporting our troops. David is actively involved with “iPods for our Troops” and the “Dear Soldier” programs.
The all volunteer organization that began in 2011, distributes iPods, iPads and electronic readers to wounded soldiers who are engaged in the long process of rehabilitation, providing them a source of relief from the long arduous hours in therapy. With the “Dear soldier” program, David visits countless schools, telling the story of our troops and encouraging children to write them letters of support. He then takes and distributes the letters as he visits our troops in South Florida hospitals.
“There is no one more deserving of the “Teamster of the Year” award than David,” said Airline Division Chairman Captain David Bourne. Not unlike his outstanding work in the community on behalf of our troops, David jumped into his new assignment working with the Airline Division with both feet. Having had no previous experience with airlines, the different issues we face and the complexities made no difference. He has done an outstanding job of understanding and learning about the needs and concerns of our members. David is a tremendous asset to Local 769 and the Division and in addition to congratulating him on this well deserved award, I look forward to working with him for many years to come.”
For additional information and to get involved in regards to iPods for Wounded Veterans and the Dear Soldier campaign, please visit the web site at www.ipodsforwoundedveterans.org.
UAL Responds to Concerns about Ebola Issues
In response to concerns raised by UAL/IBT Safety Chairman Ralph Ortiz to United management about the current concerns of preventing the accidental spread of the Ebola virus on United aircraft by passengers that may have exhibiting similar symptoms; UAL Director of Technical Operations and Ground Safety Ron Sims issued the following response:
Dear IBT Safety Leadership,
I’m responding to your concerns presented by Mr. Ralph Ortiz yesterday evening. I appreciate the shared passion for the safety of our employees as we confront the effects of the Ebola virus.
United Airlines has been in constant contact with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) for several months. We have been providing updates to the guidance via Flying Together on a regular basis and will continue to do so as we move forward. We are not sure why Mr. Ortiz couldn’t access it but it is currently fully functional and up to date with our latest information.
Several of your questions were directed towards the Infection Control Kits that we carry on our aircraft. These kits are intended to be used by inflight staff to clean up biohazards on the aircraft during flight. These kits are not designed for ground crews to use. Our cleaning department is resourced with the tools to clean and disinfect our aircraft as needed. In the case of a suspected Ebola contamination, United will follow all the CDC’s directions. We will contact the CDC, which will determine if there’s possible exposure to Ebola and will advise us of the steps we need to take. At the point that the CDC releases the aircraft from quarantine, a qualified vendor will clean the aircraft. Until the aircraft is deemed free of the virus, our ground service employees will not be expected to enter the aircraft. If the CDC determines the Ebola virus is not on board, the company will revert to our normal cleaning practices.
We are working very hard to keep employees consistently informed of everything we learn about the Ebola Virus. The Link on Flying Together is the one place that the most up-to-date information can be found. Together we can advise all of our employees that this is the most accurate information that we have of this date. Leading employees to this site ensures that everyone is getting the most up-to-date information.
We are checking on the questions regarding Blue Water to make sure that the virus dies in that environment. As soon as we get this guidance from the CDC we will share it with your team. In the meantime, please understand that in the event Ebola was to become present on one of our aircraft the lavatory system would be part of the hazmat cleanup. The Ground Safety Manual will be updated with CDC guidelines as they evolve and as necessary. We will also consider enhancing our training.
Again, confirmed cases of Ebola will not be managed by our represented employees. We will contract a qualified vendor to manage this problem.
Thank you for your patience and support,
Ron Sims
Director Technical Operations Ground Safety
Responding to the letter, TAMC Chairman Chris Moore said, “We appreciate United’s response in this important matter. The safety of our membership and the travelling public is something we take very seriously and we are pleased to see that United shares our concerns.”
International Representative Clacy Griswold commented, “We are very fortunate to have someone as dedicated to the safety of our members in the person of Ralph Ortiz. He has followed this situation very closely and done an outstanding job of coordinating with the Division and communicating our members concerns to United; who has responded in a manner that addresses our concerns for the situation.”
“I’m very pleased at the dedication of Ralph Ortiz in this matter and the response from United,” said Airline Division Director Captain David Bourne. “This is the type of approach we hope all carriers will adopt as we all adapt to this evolving situation. We will continue to coordinate with our members and Locals as information becomes available.”
Airline Industry News
Governmental and Regulatory
John Pistole is resigning from his post as administrator of the Transportation Security Administration. Pistole oversaw the tightening of airport passenger screening, which now includes body scans and pat-downs. He expects to leave the agency by the end of the year.
Federal Aviation Administration chief Michael Huerta exhorted government and industry stakeholders to work together to ensure completion of needed updates to the U.S. aircraft control system. "We will only realize the total benefits of our airspace system when we have an aviation industry that is engaged and is united around our priorities," he said.
Airlines, Industry and Labor
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings Inc. (AAWW ) announced it has appointed John Dietrich as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Atlas Air, Inc., the company's wholly owned subsidiary, effective October 15. Dietrich will retain his role with the parent holding company.
Delta Air Lines plans to retire its Boeing 747 fleet by 2017, according to CEO Richard Anderson. The 747 recently hit a production milestone of 1,500 planes produced.
So far this year, seven major U.S. airlines have hired a total of about 1,800 pilots — a significant increase from previous years, according to Future and Active Pilots Advisors.
Doug Parker, CEO of American Airlines, said demand for transatlantic flights continues to show strength. "What you really don't like to see is demand shrinking, and that's not the case," Parker said. "Capacity has been added, and demand hasn't grown at the same rate, but those are issues we can manage over time."
Global air freight volumes rose 5.8% in August, as compared to the same month last year, according to Airports Council International. Global air passenger traffic also grew 5.3% in August on a year-over-year basis.