Scope Grievance Update
On November 30, 2011 the Union met with the Company to discuss open scope grievances. These grievances claim the Company violated the agreements regarding the separation of maintenance operations prior to reaching a joint collective bargaining agreement.
While none of these mentioned grievances have been settled, the discussions during the meeting gave the Union a better understanding of the Company’s interpretation of the provisions regarding successorship and mergers. The Company showed a willingness to try and work through the different hurdles that face the parties while the merger process unfolds.
Much work will be required to ensure compliance with the agreements while working toward the ultimate goal of reaching an acceptable joint collective bargaining agreement. The parties will continue to meet to work out differences as they arise.
If members become aware of potential scope violations they are encouraged to report them to their stewards. Diligence on the part of the membership is the most effective tool to ensure the scope language is not violated. Any member that would like to review the open scope grievances is asked to contact your Business Agent.
In attendance for the union were: Clacy Griswold IBT Representative, Ed Gleason IBT Counsel, Nick Manicone IBT Counsel, Josh McInerney IBT Outside Counsel, Paul Alves IBT Representative, Bob Fisher IBT Representative, Robert Rasch President LU 19, Angel Cantu BA LU 19, Tommy Esposito BA LU 769, Vinny Graziano Assistant BA LU 210, Paul Becerra Chief Shop Steward LU769 & Grievant, Bob Clever Negotiating Committee Member LU19 & Grievant.
In attendance for the company were: Jeff Wall, Director-Labor Contracts Strategy, Dixon McKenzie, Director-H.R. Tech Ops & H.O.C and Joe Ferreira, VP Line MX
Pylon Mod Update and Reported Concern
The work being performed in San Francisco has been grieved by Local 769. It was reported on the Chief Steward call that UAL Teamster members working on this project are being called names including “scab”. As a point of clarification this is not struck work and the UAL Teamster members most assuredly are not scabs. The pylon work mod is properly grieved and will go through the process as outlined in the CAL agreement.
When assigned to work or projects like this the proper thing to do is to perform the work and grieve the violation afterwards. The exception to the “work now, grieve later” rule is that if there is a possibility of death or serious bodily harm that may occur as a result of performing the task. Only then can the work can be refused.
Don’t put your or your coworker’s job at risk by refusing, or forcing your coworker to refuse, the work. The best way to solve these types of disputes is using the grievance process, taking it all the way before a neutral in arbitration if the parties can’t resolve the issue at a lower level.
HCTC
For those about to retire that will be receiving pension benefits from the PBGC you will most likely be eligible for the HCTC (Health Care Tax Credit). From the PBGC website – “The HCTC was established to help cover the cost of health insurance for workers who lose their jobs due to foreign trade and individuals whose pensions are trusteed by the PBGC. It is a federally funded program administered by the IRS that pays a portion of qualified health insurance premiums for eligible individuals and their family members.” For more information please visit http://www.pbgc.gov/wr/benefits/hctc/hctc-faqs.html
TAMC Defect Report
In an effort to reverse the trend on outsourcing, the TAMC have created the Teamster Outsourcing Defect Report to collect data on faulty repairs performed by third-party maintenance vendors. The TAMC uses the information collected in these reports when lobbying members of Congress. This report is confidential and can be used by any aviation mechanic in the industry.
You can access the online report by going to http://www.teamsterair.org/
Ballots In The Mail
Sub UA mechanics will be receiving their TA referendum ballots in the mail beginning this week. Members are urged to learn as much as they can about the agreement and above all to vote.
Mechanic’s Website
Several readers requested how to access the website mentioned in a previous edition of the Mechanics Dispatch. The forum at www.airlinemechanics.org can be found by clicking the link marked FORUM on the right side of the page or by going to this address