1. All AA property to go tobacco free on Jan.1: The company has released it's "tobacco-free workplace policy." As of Jan 1, 2016 any tobacco related product, including cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco and any other tobacco product including electronic and vapor based cigarettes will be prohibited on any AA property. This includes employee areas and parking lots. The links below outline the new policy, has frequently asked questions and a list of resources for those trying to quit smoking. Smoking is an addiction and our E.A.P. reps. can also help you if you are trying to quit using tobacco. Please read and be informed about this change and if you have any questions, please call the office and speak to an Officer.
2. United and the IAM to start talks early: United and the IAM will start contract talks about a year earlier than necessary. In the interim, United has agreed not to outsource any work through the end of 2016. The outsourcing of work in facilities maintenance is a huge ongoing concern for us here and we would welcome this type of agreement.That's a huge boost before entering into talks that weren't scheduled and may not have happened until 2017. Please click on the link for more details.
3. Southwest labor mess: Last week, the Pilots union at Southwest voted down their tentative agreement. This week the entire negotiating team and President Paul Jackson has resigned effective Dec. 31, 2015. The Southwest Airlines Pilot Association will have to start at square one by electing a new President and then naming a new negotiations team. Negotiations for their new agreement probably won't start until next spring. The links below outline the reasons the Pilots turned down their deal and why the Union's President resigned.
AS of now none of the unionized work forces at Southwest have a new agreement. The Flight Attendants turned down their tentative agreement earlier this year and their ground workers have failed to even reach a tentative agreement. A harsh reality for the "darling of the industry" that has prospered for years and now seems to be a victim of their success. Please click on the links below for more information.
4.The three headed monster: Better known as negotiations, pre-funding and the equity distribution. Earlier this week I sent an email that contract negotiations would begin on Dec. 3rd. That still holds true. This week (Nov. 17 - Nov 19) the pre-funding case will be heard by an Arbitrator. Hopefully, we will have a decision on that by the end of the year. As for the equity distribution... All pending briefs and reply to those briefs have been filed. We are waiting for word from the Judge as to whether a decision can be made based on the information in those briefs or if there will be a trial to determine the merit of the plaintiffs appeal. As soon as we have any verified and credible information we will share it with you.
In the wake of all the upcoming changes, the Local is aggressively trying to gather email addresses of the membership so we can more effectively and efficiently disseminate information. As you receive this weekly update you will continue to receive any updates. Please encourage anyone that wants timely updates on the impending decisions and negotiations to register their email address via the website, through text, phone call or giving their email address to any Steward.
5. International Staff Changes: International President Lombardo announced the retirements of 2 members from the ATD (Air Transport Division). ATD Director Garry Drummond will retire at the end of the year and AA System Coordinator Dave Virella will retire at the end of this week. The Officers of Local 512 thank them for their contributions and wish them well in their retirement. For now, International Secretary Treasurer Alex Garcia will oversee all the functions in the ATD. If you have any questions, please call the office and speak to an Officer.