NMB Issues Single Carrier Ruling

 

TO: ALL IAM MEMBERS EMPLOYED BY US AIRWAYS

 

      PLEASE POST                    UPDATES                            PLEASE POST

                                                             

January 30, 2006

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

 

As expected, the National Mediation Board (NMB) today issued its ruling that US Airways and America West Airlines are now officially operating as a single air carrier.

 

This ruling paves the way for the Machinists Union to work closely with the elected representatives for the former America West employees to reach a transition agreement with US Airways that extends the benefits of the IAM agreement and IAM National Pension Plan to new US Airways employees.

 

However, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) has 14 days to petition the NMB and show sufficient interest in a representation election.  If the NMB orders an election, the process of securing a transition agreement will be delayed pending the results of the vote.

 

But even worse is the fact that if an election actually takes place, the loss of all union protection is the most likely outcome. 

 

If 50% plus one of the eligible employees of the combined group do not participate in an election, there will be NO union and NO Fleet Service contract. Eligible employees include all active and furloughed Fleet Service employees of both airlines. Recently, the Stores Clerks on Allegheny and Piedmont were decertified the same way.

 

The membership will be advised as soon as more information becomes available.

 

                                                                                    Sincerely,

Cc: IP Buffenbarger                                                     

      GVP Roach, Jr.                                                      S.R. (Randy) Canale

      AC Brickner                                                           President & Directing

      DL 141 Ex. Board                                                  General Chairperson                            

 

 

 

TO: ALL IAM MEMBERS EMPLOYED BY US AIRWAYS

 

      PLEASE POST                                               UPDATES                                                PLEASE POST

 

 January 27, 2006

Dear Sisters and Brothers: 

            The District 141 Executive Board met in Chicago this week at District 141 headquarters to review current issues of concern and the coming agenda for the year 2006.

            We were joined by Airline Coordinator Tom Brickner and Tom provided us with an industry status report. Of particular interest for our IAM membership on US Airways was Tom’s report regarding a meeting to convene with the National Mediation Board in Washington, D.C. on January 31st to address the “single carrier” issue and the position of the IAM re: USA/AW merger. We will of course update you on the results of the NMB meeting. 

            I have been advised that US Airways encountered some problems in the printing and binding of our Agreements, but those problems have been overcome and we should anticipate our 1113-C Agreements to be distributed to our IAM Membership within approximately three weeks.

                                                                                    In Solidarity,


S.R. (Randy) Canale
President and Directing General Chairman
IAM District 141

                                               

                                                           

 

Cc: IP Buffenbarger
           GVP Roach, Jr.
           AC Brickner

 

 

CO – US Airways December 15, 2005

Subj: US Airways/America West

NMB File No. CR-6886

Via Facsimile & Regular U.S. Mail

Ms. Read Van de Water
Chairperson

National Mediation Board
1301 K Street, N.W. Suite 250 East
Washington, D.C. 20572

Dear Ms. Van de Water:

This letter concerns the International Association of Machinist’s application for a determination by the National Mediation Board (“NMB” or the “Board”) that a single transportation system exists on US Airways.

The IAM filed its application with the NMB on September 29, 2005, NMB File No. CR-6886. Since that time, there have been numerous submissions and communications by the parties at the direction of NMB Investigator Eileen Hennessey. We believe that sufficient information has been given to the Board to render a decision that US Airways and America West Airlines are now operating as a single carrier. Our members are growing frustrated by the delay in this process. Inasmuch as they stand to lose seniority, protection of their work, and a possibility of participating in a defined benefit pension plan, we are on their behalf requesting that this process be expedited to its ultimate conclusion. In addition, with the large number of employees who are on furlough status with recall rights at US Airways, there is a strong possibility of decertification if an election were to be conducted. Our members are very cognizant of that fact, and this has created a very hostile environment in the workplace.

The very existence of US Airways is now at stake and is in your hands. Please do not permit this disruptive dispute to drag on. Rather, we respectfully request that you exercise the authority of your office to resolve this dispute immediately.

Sincerely,

Robert Roach, Jr.
GENERAL VICE PRESIDENT

RR/jew

cc: Buffenbarger
      Pantoja
      Brickner
      Migliori, Esq.
      York
      Cohen
      Manicone, Esq.
      Gilmartin, Esq.
 

Town Hall Meetings

Schedule

US Airways

01/30/2006

 

 US Airways Chairman & CEO Doug Parker today began a Winter Town Hall tour to talk with employees. The opening session was held at Boston’s Logan Airport. The informal sessions with employees are designed to share company information and objectives for the merger, while giving employees an opportunity to talk with their colleagues and with Doug.

            Sessions are slated to continue in the early part of December and will wrap up in early January. While the sessions are concentrated in Eastern cities, sessions are open to all employees. To see a copy of the Town Hall presentation, log on to awaCompass or theHub. The Town Hall schedule is:

Washington, D.C. Dec. 2 10:00 a.m.
Charlotte, NC Dec. 6 5:00 p.m.
Charlotte, NC Dec. 7 10:30 a.m.
Philadelphia, PA Dec. 13 10:30 a.m.,1:30 p.m.
Pittsburgh, PA Dec. 13 6:00 p.m.
Pittsburgh, PA Dec. 14 10:00 a.m.
New York, NY (LGA) Jan. 10 11:00 a.m.

 

 

 

CO – America West Airlines

November 23, 2005

Re: IAM National Pension Plan

To America West Fleet Service Employees

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

IAM-represented Fleet Service workers at US Airways enjoy an IAM National Pension Plan (NPP) benefit of $78.30a month for each year of future service under the plan. This is by far the most generous defined benefit pension plan for Fleet Service workers in the industry and comes at no cost to the employee. The IAM National Pension Plan is a fully-funded multi-employer plan with more than $7 billion in assets and more than 70,000 active participants. America West Fleet Service employees can join the IAM National Pension Plan, but only when the IAM is certified as the collective bargaining representative for the combined Fleet Service group. In anticipation of the integration of America West and US Airways Fleet Service Workers, the IAM NPP has indicated that it will absorb America West Fleet Service workers into the Plan and provide them with the same benefit as current US Airways Fleet workers. Additionally, the IAM NPP will provide credit for vesting service earned under any previous America West pension plan, including a 401(k) plan. This means that if an America West Fleet Service worker has five years vesting service in an America West plan, they will only need a single year of credited service under the IAM National Pension Plan to qualify for benefits. If a worker has less than five years vesting service in an America West plan, he or she will only need the additional years necessary to reach a combined total of five years to qualify for benefits under the IAM NPP. These are the same qualifying requirements US Airways Fleet Service workers had when they joined the plan in 2003. Regardless of vesting status, all America West Fleet Service employees will begin earning future service credit immediately upon falling under the IAM contract. The sooner the National Mediation Board rules that America West and US Airways are operating as a single carrier and certifies the IAM as the collective bargaining representative of the combined Fleet Service Group, the sooner America West Fleet Service workers will have a secure pension. Unlike a 401(k), the IAM National Pension Plan provides a guaranteed, known benefit for life to participants. More information about the IAM National Pension Plan is available at www.iamnpf.org. The merger of America West and US Airways provides many opportunities for America West Fleet Service employees. A sound, secure pension plan is only one of the benefits of IAM representation.

Sincerely,

Robert Roach, Jr. / S.R ( Randy) Canale

GENERAL VICE PRESIDENT PRESIDENT/DIRECTING GENERAL CHAIRMAN

 

 

TO ALL IAM MEMBERS EMPLOYED BY US AIRWAYS

 

      PLEASE POST                                                                      PLEASE POST

 

                                                                                                   November 4, 2005 

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

 The substantial sacrifice of IAM members allowed US Airways to emerge from bankruptcy. Through two bankruptcies, you have repeatedly demonstrated your dedication to your airline, even when management clearly wasn’t concerned about your welfare. In spite of US Airways’ best efforts; you still have an enforceable contract, grievance procedure and the best Fleet Service pension in the airline industry. IAM –represented Fleet Service employees are currently the only group of US Airways workers with a defined benefit pension plan. You should have recently received a personalized statement form the IAM National Pension Plan describing your individual pension benefits.  

However, future pension benefits and your entire collective bargaining agreement are once again at risk. This time the threat does not come from US Airways management, but as a result of the merger with America West Airlines. If the National Mediation Board orders a representation election for Fleet Service workers of the merged company, 50% +1 of all Fleet Service employees from both carriers, including furloughed employees, must cast a ballot or there will be no union certified for Fleet Service workers. The combined workforce will have no contract, no pension and management will be free to impose any wages, benefits and work rules it wants. 

This happened to US Airways Fleet Service employees following the 1989 Piedmont merger. It recently happened again when the Teamsters forced an election last year for Fleet and Customer Service employees when Piedmont and Alleghany Airlines merged. The result was that fewer than 50% of the total eligible voters cast ballots. The employees lost everything  their union and contract. You have come too far and worked too hard to let it happen again.

Do not sign a card for any other labor organization seeking to force an election. There is simply too much at risk.
                                                            In Solidarity,

                                                           

                                                            S.R. (Randy) Canale
                                                            President and Directing General Chairman

 

TO ALL IAM MEMBERS EMPLOYED BY US AIRWAYS

 

PLEASE POST                                                    PLEASE POST

 

October 26, 2005

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

 

District 141 Officers Tom Miklavic, Bill Chandlee, Pat Flynn, and Tony Armideo, met with US Airways on October 21, 2005 and were successful in coming to an agreement for Mid Atlantic employees to transition to Mainline positions in Philadelphia and Washington.

 

Since the Company has sold the assets of Mid Atlantic, these employees will be offered jobs with Mainline in their respective city. Details of the agreement have already have been sent to all Local Chairpersons.

 

Also discussed during the meeting was recall issues for employees from New Orleans on recall, bidding, voluntary and involuntary furlough and writing a letter of understanding on these issues. A conference call scheduled for October 24th, 2005 resolved outstanding issues and with the continued cooperation of US Airways we reached an Agreement.

 

We also had conversations with the Company in integration and single carrier status of US Airways and America West. Although there are many outstanding and open issues that must be addressed we will keep you informed as we move forward in the process.                           

 

 

In Solidarity,
S.R. (Randy) Canale
President and Directing General Chairman
IAM District 141

 
Barbara
Office of Randy Canale
1771 Commerce Dr.
Elk Grove, IL 60007
847-640-2222 ext. 19
FAX: 847-640-2277

 

 


The IAM Set  The IAM Sets the Record Straight on the US Airways-
America West Merger

10/26/2005


 

Which union will represent workers at the new US Airways?


The IAM expects the National Mediation Board (NMB) to determine that US Airways and America West are a single transportation system.

The Teamsters and Transport Workers Union (TWU) would then have an opportunity to make a 35% showing of interest of all the eligible employees of the combined carrier to force a representation election.

However, because the number of workers the IAM represents at US Airways is so much greater than those represented by the Teamsters and TWU at America West, it’s most likely that the IAM will be automatically certified as the representative of the class and crafts of Mechanic & Related and Fleet Service employees of the newly merged carrier.

 

Will the IAM’s contracts stay in effect?


The status quo provisions of the Railway Labor Act provide that a collective bargaining agreement cannot be changed before the amendable date unless the parties mutually agree to open it. By law the IAM agreements will continue. The IAM is negotiating a transition agreement to bring America West employees under the IAM agreements.

 

What does “showing of interest” mean?


The NMB considers a “showing of interest” as signed authorization cards from 35% of the bargaining unit. In this case, the 35% showing of interest includes all eligible employees for each classification from America West and US Airways, including those on furlough status.

 

How is representation decided in such an election?


If there is an election, the union that receives votes from 50% plus 1 of all eligible employees wins the election and will be certified as the bargaining representative. This includes those on furlough status.

If fewer than 50% plus 1 participates in the election, all union representation at both carriers will be lost and no union will be certified.

 

 

Is saying there is a danger of loss of union representation a scare tactic?


It’s not a scare tactic at, it is the NMB's rule. If 50% plus 1 of the eligible employees do not participate in an election then there will be no union on US Airways or America West.

Frankly, some employees on furlough may not be as inclined to participate in a union election as active employees. They still count, however, in the statistical breakdown of eligible voters.

Is the IAM overstating the danger of a loss of representation? It happened with the Stores Clerks on Alleghany and Piedmont. As a result of lack of participation they have no union and no contract.

How will the IAM decide seniority integration?


The IAM’s long-standing policy is that date of entry into the classification will govern seniority integration.

The Teamster's initial position was a 3-1 seniority integration as stated by their representatives in CLT and PHL. This is absolutely unacceptable to the IAM and the employees we represent and will deprive US Airways employees of numerous job opportunities. 

The TWU eliminated seniority from IAM members when American Airlines purchased TWA. The IAM’s method is the only fair seniority integration option.

How do the IAM & Teamsters differ on outsourcing mechanics work?


The Teamsters claim they will retain all heavy maintenance under the IAM agreement and will bring in additional work. This is coming from a Union that failed to accomplish this on America West where the company is allowed to do heavy maintenance in El Salvador.

In fact, US Airways management tried to use the America West, South American farmout privileges as a wedge against the mechanic and related classification in the most recent bankruptcy proceedings.

Despite two bankruptcies at US Airways, the IAM scope language is still superior to America West.

Is the IAM taking a leadership position on merger issues?


The IAM has been in ongoing negotiations with US Airways for a transition agreement concerning all merger issues.

 

 

For more information about the merger,

visit www.goiam.org/usairways.

 

USAirways Merger Puts

Fleet Service

Pensions in Jeopardy

01/30/2006

 As long as the IAM remains your certified representative, US Airways Fleet Service employees will continue to benefit from the best retirement plan in the industry.

 The $78 Multiplier

The IAM agreement at US Airways calls for participation in the IAM National Pension Plan which provides the financial security of a guaranteed monthly benefit upon retirement.

 US Airways Fleet Service retirees will receive a pension of $78.30 a month for every year of future service. This means that a retiree with thirty years of credited service under the current plan can expect a check for more than $2,349 a month, in addition to any 401-k distributions.

 Security

America West Fleet Service workers will enjoy those same benefits and begin building their retirement security when they fall under the IAM contract. However, if another organization represents US Airways Fleet Service members, the IAM National Pension Plan will be lost.

 The IAM Pension Plan

With 75 contributing employers and more than $7 billion in net assets, the IAM Pension is a rock-solid plan. It’s not subject to industry downturns or greedy companies. For more information about the IAM pension plan go to: www.iamnpf.org.

 

 

 

 
Everyone's a Winner!

AMERICA WEST: GET ON BOARD 2005
US AIRWAYS: PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE

September Results: Everyone’s a Winner!

October 5, 2005

Dear US Airways employees,

This month, it’s a privilege to congratulate the new US Airways team on an outstanding September performance. In the former America West and US Airways operational incentive programs, we exceeded the operational goals, meaning US and AWA employees earned the monthly payout. This is no small accomplishment considering September’s challenging weather conditions, not to mention our focus on the merger. Congratulations!

Details of each former airline’s respective program – and the month’s details – are below. Employees will receive their bonus checks as they have in the past, meaning AWA employees will receive an additional check by the end of the week and US employees’ bonuses will be on their next paychecks.

Introducing the New, Combined Program: "Hat Trick"
With September behind us and the merger officially closed, we have established a new US Airways monthly operational incentive program. We’re calling it "Hat Trick," which hockey and soccer fans will recognize as the term for scoring three goals – because that’s exactly what we’re setting out to do as a combined company.

Keep in mind, we must continue to report two sets of statistics to the Department of Transportation (DOT) while we are operating on two certificates; however, the program is for all mainline employees and is a collaborative effort.

Hat Trick payouts will be based on the combined company’s on-time performance, mishandled baggage, and customer complaints. Each month, we will calculate our combined company’s A14 ranking (arrivals within 14 minutes of schedule) according to DOT statistics. We’ll then compare that number to all other major airlines (American, Delta, Northwest, Continental, United, JetBlue, Southwest, Alaska and Air Tran). If we end up in top three, all employees will receive $50.

But it gets even better. If we are in the top three in each of A14, mishandled baggage, and customer complaints, employees will receive $100 for that month. The new program is effective immediately, meaning you’re already working toward your October payout!

Payment details have yet to be determined; however if (or when) employees earn their bonus for October, we’ll announce specifics at that time. Daily A14 results will continue to be reported in US Daily, and the DOT report is generally made public via the DOT’s web site (www.dot.gov) within the first few days of each month.

Now, back to last month, and the separate programs. Following are September’s details, broken down by airline and specific goal.

America West: Departure Zero
Goal: 65 percent
Employees exceeded our Get on board 2005 goal by two full percentage points. We ended September with a Departure Zero (meaning flights push back on time or early) of 67.0 percent, beating our D0 goal of 65.0 percent.

We also continued our trend of impressive A14 performance, finishing September with an A14 of 81.9 percent.

America West: DOT Customer Complaints
Goal: Less than 10
In the second part of AWA’s Get on board incentive program – single-digit customer complaints sent to the DOT – we fell slightly short. The goal is to only receive single digit complaints (nine or less), but unfortunately AWA finished the month with 13.

US Airways: A14
Goal: 82 percent or top ranking
US Airways mainline exceeded its A14 goal for the month with an impressive score of 87.2 percent, so employees will receive their well-deserved payout for the month. US Airways’ program alternately allows payout in the A14 category if the airline has the top ranking within its "peer group" (AA, CO, DL, HP, NW, UA) for the A14 goal, as measured by DOT statistics; however this month’s payout stems from the 82 percent goal.

Separately, the DOT tracks statistics for US Airways Express (including only the wholly-owned carriers, Piedmont and PSA), so their employees work under a separate program, with the same goal. Like mainline, employees receive a bonus if their monthly S14 performance reaches the goal of 82 percent. In September, Express ran on-time exactly 82 percent of the time, meaning employees will receive their payout.

US Airways: Passengers Arriving Without Bags (PAWOB)
Goal: Five per 1,000 customers
The mainline operation also exceeded its Passengers Arriving Without Bags (PAWOB) goal of five per 1,000 passengers with a score of 4.5 per 1,000. In addition to these outstanding results, on September 28, 2005, US Airways had its first zero cancellation day since December 30, 2004.

On the Express side, unfortunately, we missed the baggage goal with 8.4 per 1,000 passengers arriving without their bags.

As always, thank you for your hard work and we look forward to developing and reaching our incentives together in the future.

                                        
Jeff McClelland                                                    Al Crellin
Executive Vice President, Administration              Chief Operating Officer

 

 

 

Transportation NewsWire

IAM Transportation Department
General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr.
9000 Machinists Place
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

www.goiam.org/transportation

September 30, 2005

US Airways Emerges From Bankruptcy,

IAM Files for NMB Ruling

Now merged with America West Airlines, US Airways this week exited from Chapter  11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in 30 months. America West’s management team will dominate the combined carrier, with US Airways’ headquarters moving to Phoenix, AZ, America West’s home town. The IAM today filed a request with the National Mediation Board for a “single-carrier ruling”. Once the NMB rules that the merged US Airways-America West airlines are    operating as a single carrier, the IAM will work with the other labor organizations and management to provide for a smooth transition into the IAM’s contracts for America West’s employees in the Mechanic & Related and Fleet Service classifications.

“The IAM’s position is that seniority should be integrated in a fair and equitable manner by an employee’s date of entry into the classification,” said General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. “It is in the best interests of Mechanic & Related and Fleet Service workers of both airlines to bring the benefits and protection of the IAM contracts to the America West employees as soon as possible.” The NMB has not indicated when it may issue a ruling. IAM Representatives have already begun negotiating transition agreements. IAM members can keep up to date on the US Airways-America West integration at www.goiam.org/usairways.

 

=================================
September 27, 2005

        US Airways Merger Aim:
       Fair Workforce Integration
 

 

    PLEASE POST                                                                   PLEASE POST


    The IAM and US Airways have begun negotiating a transition agreement for the merger with America West.  Upon US Airways' emergence from bankruptcy the IAM will file a petition with the National Mediation Board for a ruling that the two carriers are operating as a single transportation system.

    Once that happens, the IAM will be certified as the representative of both the Mechanic & Related and Fleet Service workforce on the merged airline. This will pave the way for integrating the employees of both airlines under the current IAM agreements.

    It is the IAM's position that employee groups should be merged based on the individual's date of entry into a particular classification at their respective airline.  This recognizes the seniority of employees at both airlines and is the only fair way for everyone involved.

    As the surviving carrier, US Airways' agreements will prevail regardless of the designated representative. However, if another labor organization interferes with the process, the integration may not go smoothly.  US Airways employees, as they are generally more senior to their America West counterparts, may risk a loss of seniority under another union's integration policy.

    If a representation election is called and less than 50 percent +1 of the combined workforce, including furloughed employees, chooses to vote, there will be no union, no contract and US Airways will have the unrestricted ability to impose any wages, benefits and employment terms it wants, including elimination of seniority provisions.

    For more information, go to: www.goiam.org/usairways.

 

 

TO ALL IAM MEMBERS EMPLOYED BY US AIRWAYS:

PLEASE POST                                                                   PLEASE POST

 

                                                                                                                                September 19, 2005

Dear Sisters and Brothers,                                           

 Over the past weeks your Assistant General Chairman, Bill Chandlee, Pat Flynn, Joe Maccarone, Tom Miklavic and V.P. Tony Armideo, have been meeting with US Airways over many issues.

 One of those issues was to provide some relief and assistance for our Brothers and Sisters from the New Orleans Airport. US Airways and the Union were able to come to an agreement that provides some additional pay, temporary housing, reimbursement for items of necessity, a lump sum Assistance Allowance, temporary work assignment, continued health and welfare, use or payment of unused vacation, space positive travel for emergency use. District 141 and its officers would like to thank US Airways for all their efforts in coming to this agreement. 

The International also has established a relief fund for our members affected by Hurricane Katrina; information will be posted on our Web site for a donation and clothing drive. District officers Pat Flynn and Joe Maccarone are assigned to assist with any employee questions and will be sending letters to effected members. 

District Officers and the Negotiation Committee also have been meeting with the company to put the language from restructure 1, 2, and 3, and the 1999 agreement together so that it can be printed in one book. 

We also met to talk about a transition agreement and preferential hiring at America West.

District Officers will meet in Philadelphia this week to put a proposal together on these issues. Seniority integration and many other issues will not be addressed until a one carrier status has been declared. The District and Officers will keep you informed as we move thru the process.

Fraternally,

                                                                        S.R. (Randy) Canale

                                                                        President & Directing

General Chairman

CC: IP Buffenbarger

GVP Roach, Jr.

AC Brickner

GLR Reagan

DL 141 E-Board