OVERVIEW
The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft oriented, independent aviation union. It is not an industrial union and represents only airline technicians and related employees in the craft or class in accordance with the National Mediation Board Rules and their dictates. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians and to achieving progressive improvements in the wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled craftsmen and women it represents.
AMFA was created in 1962 but did not represent any carrier until 1964 at Ozark Airlines. It later represented Pacific Airlines, Airlift International, Hughes Airwest, Southern Airways, Northwest Airlines, Horizon Air, Independence Air, United Airlines, and ATA. AMFA's craft union now represents aircraft maintenance technicians and related support personnel at Alaska Airlines, Mesaba Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Except for negotiations under bankruptcy, AMFA has never accepted concessions, give-backs, two-tier pay scales, or "B" rate mechanics. One reason for this is that the local airline representatives, who are well-acquainted with their airline's problems, are at the bargaining table with the national officers. AMFA also believes in having its members attend and observe contract negotiations. Although this is considered by many to be a novel idea, AMFA has been doing this in negotiations for years, and it has helped both sides to understand the problems and issues that must be resolved at the bargaining table.
GOAL
To have all airline technicians and related employees under the AMFA "umbrella."
MISSION
To raise the standards of and increase recognition of the technician and related class or craft for the protection of the profession. To afford protection for AMFA members before government agencies and expand the education of members' rights and privileges before Congress whenever it pertains to the craft.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
AMFA hires professionals at the bargaining table to present and utilize their particular expertise. For example, in economic areas AMFA hires a financial expert; in the pension and welfare areas we hire a pension actuary. The contract language is reviewed by AMFA's legal counsel before presenting it to the company. During the course of negotiations, AMFA's legal counsel is present at the table or available by phone or fax, depending upon the need. Members can observe negotiations on their days off, which educates the membership and furthers understanding of what it takes to negotiate a contract.
When a contract is submitted to AMFA-represented technician and related members for a vote, the total package is presented. It is not merely a summary or highlights sheet.
DUES
AMFA dues are two times your base rate of pay, excluding differentials and premiums. For example, if your base pay is $20 per hour, your monthly dues are $40. AMFA also has a $500 fine protection program to offset the cost of a fine.
STRUCTURE
AMFA has proven to be the only democratic organization for technical aviation professionals. Through local autonomy the members control all aspects of their union. AMFA is the most democratic union in the airline industry. All officers, from Shop Representative to the National Director, are elected by secret ballot and can be recalled by the Membership. Safety & Standards is an integral part of our constitution, covering all members, and is not relegated to a "committee."
MEMBERSHIP
Technicians and related members vote on all major issues including contract ratification, letters of agreement, amendments to Local Bylaws, and the AMFA Constitution. They also have the authority to elect and recall all AMFA officers.
LOCALS
Local Officers and Representatives are elected by the Local Membership and can be recalled by the Membership. A petition signed by 25 percent of the members begins the recall procedure.
NATIONAL
The National Office assists the Locals throughout the system. The National Executive Council hires professionals to provide CPA accounting, legal representation, labor relations advice, insurance/pension actuaries, and National administration. National officers oversee these professionals and report to the Membership. Candidates for national office need the endorsement of only one Local to have his or her name placed on the ballot. National officers are subject to the same recall procedures as Local officials.
