1. Revision cycle training: The company has alerted us that there is a significant number of people that have yet to complete the revision cycle 9 training. The company is offering to pay you an hour of TRO (straight time) to get this done. When we were able to get relief for CR-1's issued in January for missed training lessons the company was clear that this was a one time exception and they intended to address any other missed training in line with the company protocol. Please make every attempt to get this lesson done by the March 8th deadline.
2. Local 591 sues AA: Local 591 represents aircraft mechanics in "line stations" throughout the system and includes ORD. Local 591 has filed suit against the company alleging that the company has pressured mechanics to put planes back into revenue service before they were properly inspected or repaired. The company refutes those allegations calling the suit "meritless." It seems that the good relationship the company has been touting it has with it's employees has not materialized with the aircraft mechanics. Please click on the link below for more details.
3. Dock workers reach agreement: Many of the ports on the west coast are staffed with unionized laborers or longshoremen. They have been in a battle for a better contract for the past few nine months and the dispute had gotten contentious. Last week Labor Secretary Tom Perez got involved at the behest of the President to try and help the parties reach an agreement. There was a breakthrough last week and a tentative agreement was reached. These members stuck together and their resolve was rewarded with a tentative agreement. Unity pays and we need to remember that. Please click on the link below for more information.
4. Local 555 protests at SWA: TWU Local 555 represents the ground workers at Southwest airlines and that includes out Brothers and Sisters at Midway airport. Last week Southwest airlines was recognized by a travel magazine as the "airline of the year". It cited having great labor relations as one of the criteria used to recognize Southwest. A check of the facts suggests otherwise. They are three and a half years past the amendable date of their contract and continue to negotiate a new deal. Please click on the link below for more information.