United Mechanic’s Negotiating team meets
Last week the negotiating committee convened at Local 856 in San Bruno CA. The focus of the meeting was to develop proposals for the upcoming session with the carrier which is scheduled to begin in Chicago on October 24th.
The work of the Committee continued Monday as they finalized their proposal to the Company in order to try and achieve an interim transition agreement prior to entering mediation. As a result of the bargaining survey, the two most important issues identified by the membership for the committee to address are maintaining current medical benefits and retroactive pay. The committee also discussed other issues that were brought forth from the individual cities. These items largely echoed the results of the bargaining survey and included items regarding lead ratios and buyout packages for those wanting to leave the company.
The rank and file Committee also established their internal method of voting on proposals to be presented by the Union as well as accepting or rejecting proposals from the Company. The committee determined there will be eleven votes using the one person, one vote system from the eleven members sent from the Locals. It was further determined by the rank and file committee that Brothers Prisco and Meidinger will serve as full members of the committee in all matters with the exception of voting.
In attendance at this session were Local negotiators Larry Calhoun – NYC, Jay Koreny – IAD, Mike Pecoraro, Scott Baroni – ORD, Mitch Hunt, Scott Brown – DEN, Roger Apana – HNL, Dion Cornelious – LAX, John Lauren, Don Stevens, Mark DesAngeles – SFO. For the Division; Joseph Prisco SFO, Ken Meidinger DEN, International Representatives – Clacy Griswold, Paul Alves, Bob Fisher. IBT Legal – Ed Gleason and Labor Economist – Norman Weintraub.
UAL Go Team members attend training
UAL Maintenance “Go Team” members Pramod “PT” Thomas and Edison Herrera from ORD and John Alioto from SFO attended National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Accident Investigation Training this week in IND.
The training; which encompassed two days, was sponsored by Locals 1224 and 357 and covered a wide range of topics including; how to form and operate a “Go Team,” occupational hazards at an accident site and what to expect when investigating an accident both Domestically and Internationally. Additionally, a briefing from an air carrier on the obstacles they encountered during a recent international investigation was also presented in addition to many other subjects.
The training was conducted by Greg Feith, former NTSB accident investigator and Enjoli DeGrasse from International Brotherhood of Teamsters Safety and Health Department.
The Airline Division is exploring additional avenues to provide training members that will allow the development and deployment of “Go Teams” at all Teamster represented airlines.
Pay shortages at sub UA addressed
As a result of the recently instituted weekly conference calls between UAL Chief Stewards and BA’s and the Division, the payroll issues discussed that caused shortages in paychecks for vacation and holidays have now been addressed.
Airline Division Director David Bourne contacted UAL management after learning of the situation and informed them that current situation was unacceptable and the company leadership agreed and began developing a fix. As of Friday afternoon a temporary fix was put in place with a long term solution in the works that will include an audit of each of the former vacation databases and input them into a new program. The target date for completion is the end of October. During the interim members that notice shortages in their checks are to contact their local payroll department who will cut local checks immediately. If there are problems getting a local check, members should contact their Chief Steward or BA right away to ensure quick resolution.
Division monitoring QC department developments
On the Chief Stewards call this week it was reported that the company may be attempting to combine the inspection departments at CAL and UA prematurely. As reported on the call inspectors may be reporting to one supervisor that would assign them to work on either fleet. Until an amalgamated agreement is reached this would be a violation of both agreements.
Facilities consolidation
It is reported that in many cities the company is attempting to move mechanics from the different sub companies into a single work area. It was reported on the call that Local 455 has taken the lead on this issue by filing a grievance on this practice. As further information is available from Local 455 it will be reported here.