UAL Negotiations Update
The
parties will reconvene on November 4th in Chicago in an attempt to
finalize the joint collective bargaining agreement. The parties will be assisted
by Senior Mediator Pat Sims and Mediator Michael Kelleher from the
NMB.
On
Friday, an et al., (“and others”)
benefits grievance was filed by the union regarding the unilateral changes
imposed by the company. Chief Stewards and the Business Agent will have a copy
for members to review and it will be posted electronically.
NetJets Technicians and Related Discussions
Prior to a scheduled meeting with the
company, the Negotiating Committee met on October 22nd and
23rd to discuss and work on proposals for Articles 7- (Union
Representation), 8 – (Grievance Procedure) and 9 – (Arbitration).
Discussions between the NetJets Negotiating
Committee and Company continued on October 24th. The negotiating
session focused on Article 7 – (Union Representation), 12 – (Jury Duty), 13 –
(Funeral Leave), 16 – (Holidays), 23 – (Moving Expenses), 25 – (Sick Leave), and
35 – (Tuition Assistance).
The Union made a proposal on Article 23 –
(Moving Expenses). The Company made counter proposals on Articles 12, 13 and 35
and provided opening proposals on Articles 7, 16 and 25, and after discussion
the parties reached a Tentative Agreement on Article 23 – (Moving Expenses).
The Union and the
Company are currently discussing dates for the next round of talks.
Captain Charles “Butch” Downs Passes Away.
“He will be sorely missed,” says ExCo Chairman
Captain
Charles Henry ‘Butch’ Downs, 69, formerly a pilot for Cape Air (Local 1224)
passed away peacefully Saturday, October 19, 2013 at the Martha’s Vineyard
Hospital.
A
Martha’s Vineyard native, he was born in Oak Bluffs and raised in Edgartown,
Massachusetts. He dedicated his life to being a pilot, having been taught to fly
at the age of 13. At 16, he enlisted in the Air Force and served two tours of
duty as a Ranch-Hand in the Vietnam War. An honored veteran; his C-123,
“Patches,” holds the distinction of being the second most shot at airplane
during the Viet Nam war – currently sits at the National Museum of the U.S. Air
Force in Dayton, Ohio.
The
love of flying stayed with him after his service. He had a long and varied
flying career that led him around the world and culminated in nearly two decades
as a pilot for Edgartown Air, which later became Cape Air. He often told his son
that his favorite thing about flying was watching the sun rise and set from
thousands of feet above the earth.
Butch
was also integral to many aspects of the Island. He worked as an AB for the
Steamship Authority, had a (very brief) career as Duke’s County Deputy Sheriff,
was past commander of the VFW, and was a pioneer in swordfish spotting – his
fishing buddies always appreciated his expert eye in the sky from his Piper Cub.
He also played the guitar and banjo, and loved the natural beauty and history of
the Island. He has amassed a vast collection of found native artifacts including
his prized Woolly mammoth’s tooth.
Those
who knew him all agreed that he was a rare mixture of true husband, father, son,
brother and friend. He wouldn’t hesitate to give you a piece of his mind – but
he would also be the first person to give you the shirt off his
back.
“Butch
was the best,” said Cape Air ExCo Chairman Marilyn Rhude. “He was a tremendous
pilot and a great friend to everyone who had the fortune to know him and he had
a wicked sense of humor that was legendary. His passing leaves a great void in
the Cape Air family that won’t be easily filled. He will be sorely missed,” she
concluded.
Captain
Downs is survived by his loving family and would have celebrated his
thirty-first wedding anniversary with his wife Carolyn on October
28th. He was a caring father to his son, Captain Andy Downs and his
daughter-in-law, Valerie. He was also a loving, loyal and devoted ‘big’ brother
to John Downs and his wife, Kathleen as well as a proud uncle and
great-uncle.
His
graveside service with full military honors was held on Wednesday, October
23rd.
Airline Industry News
Governmental and Regulatory
The government shutdown was "extraordinarily disruptive" to aviation safety, the FAA's chief said
Thursday.
The Federal Aviation
Administration said the government shutdown has delayed new rules for use of passenger
electronic devices. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said the agency will focus
on safety issues first before turning its attention to expanding the use of
electronic devices during flights.
Mayors of six major cities have written a letter to the
Department of Justice asking the agency to drop its antitrust lawsuit against a
proposed merger between US Airways and American Airlines. "We support the merger
of American and US Airways because it is based on growth which benefits
consumers and our communities," the letter said.
Airlines, Labor and Industry
Analysts predict a rosy future for U.S. airline earnings as
airlines keep a close eye on capacity and fly more fuel-efficient planes. "The
airlines are poised to show a good year overall for 2013," said Henry
Harteveldt, a travel analyst.
Twenty-six chambers of
commerce, from U.S. cities as well as states, have sent the Justice Department a
letter urging the agency to settle over the proposed US
Airways-American Airlines merger.
Airbus has not booked and orders for its A380 this year, and
is considering trimming production, but will keep the design of the jumbo jet.
National Mediation Board
rules require the Aircraft Mechanics
Fraternal Association to wait one year before attempting to organize American
Airlines mechanics.
The upcoming
expiration of the Wright
Amendment could spark an airfare war in Texas.