1. Ebola Update: This week there was another Ebola case reported in New York City. Information on that case is still forthcoming. Originally, it was thought the patient flew on AA from London but now it's reported he flew on Brussels Air into the States. Additionally, this week International President Lombardo held a summit meeting on the Ebola outbreak. "Protecting members' health and safety is TWU's number one priority. However, it is important to recognize that elevated safety standards and robust preparedness training are also essential protections for the public. Transit systems are fluid — when a member of the public steps off an aircraft, they often step right onto a subway or a bus." The link to that information is below. Please click on it for more information.
http://www.twu.org/blog/tabid/84/vw/1/itemid/616/default.aspx
2. More ambitious AE drivers: There were a couple calls into the office this week about AE drivers who asked that their bags be sorted on offload from AA flights. Currently, we do not sort AE bags on offload. The procedure is clear. We unload the bags into a cart and then stage the cart at the back of the aircraft for AE to pick up, sort or dump in the system. I've attached that procedure to this email for clarification.
3. President's Council update: This week President Biancalana attended the quarterly president's Council in Dallas. Here's a brief list of what was discussed. More details can be heard at the membership meetings this week.
- Contract Books: They were to be shipped out yesterday and be in station next week. If they arrive before next Thursday we will make every effort to have them at the membership meeting in the mezzanine.
- Equity distribution lawsuit: The plaintiff's in the case re-filed their lawsuit this week seeking what they believe is their fair share of the equity. The T.W.U. will now review the amended complaint and respond. It's possible the T.W.U. will again file for summary judgement to dismiss the claim, but we will have to wait for more information from the legal team after they have had time to review the complaint. The next court date is November 12th, which is when the TWU will respond to the retiree's amended complaint; December 5th is the date when the retiree's can respond to the TWU's filing; and finally a hearing on the motion to dismiss is set for January 8, 2015. All times and dates are tentative and subject to change. We will update you when we get more information. The amended complaint is attached to this email.
- 29(d) grievance for flex VC: The case was heard on Sep. 9th. The International is expecting to hear more information this week as to where this case is at.
- 29(d) for pre-funding: This case will be arbitrated by the TWU's Attorneys. While no firm date for this case is set, the Attorney's hope to have it heard by the end of the year. As we get more information on this case we will share it with you.
- Joint Negotiations: Recently, I told you of the TWU's position on joint negotiations was related to some outstanding issues with the joint association. That is still the case. President Biancalana asked AA System Coordinator Dave Virella if the International was going to survey the membership to see what contractual items were important to them. System Coordinator Virella said they would and we will help in ascertaining any information deemed necessary to develop a strong platform for negotiations. Again, please think about what contractual items are important to you. If you have questions, please call the office and speak to an Officer.
4. McDonald's to automate ordering?: In a move to lower its labor costs, McDonald's is said to test a new automated ordering system. If this test works it could reduce or eliminate the need for cashiers. Let's hope it works as well as the self service check out that Jewel stores rolled out a couple years back and eventually replaced many of them. Please click on the link below for more information.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2014/10/22/mcdonald_s_and_wages_is_the_company_planning_to_replace_its_cashiers_with.html
5. Membership Meetings: This month's membership meetings are in the West Mezzanine Conference Room in terminal 3 above the ticker counter at the airport this Thursday at 0700, 1000 and at 1430. First V.P. Murphy will be giving a presentation on the 2015 benefits enrollment. Next years benefits plans will see major changes that require a good working knowledge of what's going on. Please make every effort to attend one of these meetings.
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